this is bbc news 7 these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. a furious backlash from travel companies over the uk government's decision to remove portugal from its green list of covid—safe countries. ministers insist they have taken a cautious approach. i think when we're coming up to an important decision as a country whether to do the next phase of reopening on 21stjune or not, it is important now for us to be careful not to jeopardise the progress that we've made. british holidaymakers who return from portugal from tuesday will have to self—isolate at home for ten days. airlines say the decision is a devastating blow for the industry. they're making it up as they go along, it's more mismanagement of the covid recovery by the johnson

government and sadly it has created unnecessary disruption and stress for hundreds of thousands of british families. are you one of the thousands of britons currently in portugal or have you booked a holiday, and are unsure what this decision means for your travel plans this summer. please do get it touch with me on twitter @annita—mcveigh and use the hashtag #bbcyourquestions. a leading hong kong pro—democracy activist is detained by police, as authorities ban a vigil to mark the anniversary of the tiananmen square massacre. the detained belarussian journalist roman prostasevich appears on state tv saying he helped to organise anti—government protests. his family say he was speaking under duress. and coming up — remembering the british heroes of d—day, the final preparations are made at a new normandy memorial ahead of its opening this weekend.

hello and welcome if you re watching in the uk or around the world. the travel industry has described the changes to england's travel list announced yesterday as a devastating blow. the uk government moved portugal from its green list of countries, meaning you don't have to quarantine when you arrive in the uk, to its amber list. amber list countries are those which uk tourists should not visit, and if they do, they must isolate for ten days on their return. seven countries including egypt and trinidad & tobago were added to the uk's red list, countriesjudged to be highest risk which the uk government says you should only visit

in extreme circumstances. the uk's transport secretary, grant shapps, blamed the changes on rising numbers of infections in portugal and the presence of the so—called nepalese variant, a mutation of the delta variant, which is thought to have originated in india. he said... "we simply don't want to take the risk as we come up tojune 21 and the review of the fourth stage". portugal said it didn't understand the logic of the move, and its tourism department tweeted that it would continue to carry out its own unlocking plan with "clear rules for the safety of those who live here and those who visit us." the chief executive of airline ryanair, michael o'leary, is among those criticising the move, saying the decision is "more mismanagement of the covid recovery" and has created unnecessary disruption. the scottish, welsh and northern irish governments say they will adopt the same changes. public health england says the nepalese variant is already present

in the uk. our business correspondent katy austin reports. since 17th may, trips to portugal have had the green light, with no quarantine when you get back. but from tuesday, that will change. it is just going to put people off travel and that is very damaging for the travel industry. either we believe in the vaccines or we don't. we just literally missed the cut off to change our flight, we had to do it within two hours, so we can't even get money back. no new countries were added to the existing green list yesterday. portugal left that category and became amber, with the requirement to self—isolate at home for ten days upon return. it is not illegal to travel to these places, but the government has told people not to go to them on holiday. seven more countries were added to the highest risk red list, meaning returning uk residents must pay to quarantine in an approved hotel.

the government said designating portugal as amber was necessary to avoid bringing variants of concern into the uk. the portuguese foreign ministry said on twitter... ban international travel completely orjust communicate properly with people. it's just a bit silly. you have to have a system where either it is open or it's closed. there's families bringing out kids and people booked holidays for a long time. if it's closed, close it. it's very frustrating, _ because we came here because, portugal, green list, that's fine. so it is going to impact my work and stuff when i get back. - airlines and holiday companies, desperate for some trade desperate for summer trade after the crippling effect of more than a year of covid travel restrictions,

expressed bitter disappointment. yesterday's announcement and the reality of today is incredibly disappointing for us, notjust as an airport but as an industry as a whole. but also for our customers. we've seen it in the media this morning and just heard the restrictions are really catching people out. they've had their vaccinations, they're ready to travel. so, a year are now from when the travel corridors were first announced, and we've got one of the most successful vaccination programmes in the world, get we haven't really moved forward, so it is incredibly disappointing and frustrating. the transport secretary said a cautious approach must be taken, but travel businesses are frustrated and many holidaymakers face a sudden change of plan. this has been rebooked seven times. we did a lot of looking into whether it was safe to travel, and if we would have to quarantine on return. we're looking at trying to fly back slightly earlier. there doesn't appear to be that many flights, unfortunately. the next review of the traffic light system is expected in three weeks�* time.

katy austin, bbc news. this morning, the uk's housing secretary, robertjenrick, said a cautious approach needed to be taken to protect the progress the country has made fighting the pandemic. first of all, we always said we'd adopt a cautious approach. i appreciate it's very disappointing and frustrating for people who are in portugal and for those people who work in the industry. but we have made so much progress as a country as a result of our vaccine roll—out, that we do need to adopt a cautious approach to protect the uk from infection from new variants. with respect to portugal, there are two important considerations. firstly, we saw a very significant rise in positivity in recent weeks, in fact it's doubled in portugal in three weeks since the last review point, to take it to a much higher level than we see here in the uk. secondly, perhaps most importantly, although both countries have prevalence of what is known as the indian variant,

delta variant, we've also seen a further mutation emerge, become prevalent within portugal, now known as the nepal variant. and we thought it was important to be cautious whilst we're still learning more about this new variant. we don't know yet whether it's going to be a problem, but our scientists are doing research as we speak. they are looking at whether it is more transmissible and virulent. and above all, whether our current set of vaccines are effective against it. whilst we do that research, i think most people, i hope most people will appreciate that it's right to be careful. the chief executive of ryanair, michael o'leary, remains confident that uk holidaymakers will be able to travel across europe this summer, despite portugal being removed from the green list. yes, we'll have to deal with occasional government mismanagement such as their removal of portugalfrom the green list yesterday.

also, the remarkable failure of the british government to add malta and the balearics. in malta and the balearics, they have much lower covid case rates than the uk and malta has vaccinated more of its people. so there is equally no reason why they haven't been added to the green list. there will be short—term disruptions, but over the main through the end ofjune, july, august, september we see most of europe going back on holidays and british visitors will be welcome to the beaches of portugal, spain and greece on their ryanair flights. cristovao norte is a member of the portuguese parliament, representing the algarve region, which is heavily dependent on tourism. he told me earlier that he was caught by surprise by the decision and that to his knowledge there were only 12 cases of the nepalese variant in portugal. i respect the decision but i don't think it's a fair decision. there were no major changes in the portuguese pandemic situation in the last few weeks. we have had a spike

in the lisbon area, none in the algarve whatsoever. people wear masks, people obey the rules. we are prepared to receive people, our vaccination process is growing steadily. and for us, we were caught by surprise. i have heard today the housing secretary stating that the prevalence of the nepalese variant, the so—called nepalese variant, was predominant in portugal. that is not the case. we have had just 12 cases of the nepalese variant. and maybe, i don't know for sure, i think the uk has many more cases of the nepalese variant than portugal. so, mr norte, when the uk government says that the number of infections has doubled in portugal in the last couple of weeks, does the spike that

you speak of in lisbon, does that account for that increase in infections? yes. we haven't had deaths, we have a death per day in the last 14 days, we don't have problems in the hospitals but we have had that spike, and that spike explains that rise, because we had a very, because we had very, very low numbers in the last month, just on the two past weeks, the numbers have risen a little bit. but we have 66 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. we have a transmission rate of 1.07, i think it's more or less the same as the uk. so, for us, it's disappointing, it's an unfortunate decision. we hope, by 21stjune,

this will be reviewed, because it was a huge blow for our tourism industry. some fresh limes coming to us from the world health organization about the world health organization about the covax programme, that is the programme to get vaccinations and equitable distribution of vaccinations to lower incoming countries from wealthier countries, a senior adviser from the who is quoted as saying that, we are not on track yet on covid—19 vaccine donations, we do not have enough confirmed doses to get us out of this, says the senior adviser. the world health organization is also saying that they are 200 million doses behind on covax vaccine distribution is because of export

restrictions from india and manufacturing supply challenges. the same adviser is saying that the us announcement on vaccine donations was an important start, but we need many other countries. g7 ministers, finance ministers, our meeting, as well as discussions going on with health ministers, in advance of the g7 meeting in cornwall in the uk next week, and we will be talking to someone about what is happening with the finance ministers and what discussions there they are likely to have with regards to increasing the number of donations to low—income countries, that will be coming up in a few minutes�* time, but clearly a very serious warning from the well held organisation —— from the world health organization, saying that it is 200 million vaccine doses behind on the covax programme, it says, we do not have enough covid vaccinations to get us out of this situation. dr deepti gurdasani is a senior lecturer of epidemiology at queen mary university.

she told me the virus is constantly evolving so it is critical to contain transmission. it seems to be, from what the report is saying — it's hard to say without seeing the actual data — that it's the delta variant, the so—called indian variant, which has some mutations on top of it that are similar to the beta or the so—called south african variant. these mutations have already been seen, so this particular variant that's ebing described is already present in the uk. that's being described is already present in the uk. this virus is constantly evolving, the delta variant is constantly developing mutations on top of it, and it's no surprise that will develop mutations if it's allowed to transmit. mutations that may be similar to other variants and may potentially confer more escape against vaccines or other properties. that's why it's critical to contain transmission and control import of cases at borders because this situation, although it's not very good now, could get worse if we let this continue.

clive wratten is the chief executive of the business travel association, an independent global network of travel experts. we can speak to clive now. thank you very much forjoining us on bbc news. i have been looking at some of the comments you have been making on twitter about some of the comments about some of the decisions made yesterday by the uk government with regards to the green list, taking portugal off the green list, and adding some countries to the red list, so, you're obviously very angry and frustrated about all of this? ~ ., , ,., , ., ., this? well, absolutely, good morning. — this? well, absolutely, good morning, annita, _ this? well, absolutely, good morning, annita, the - this? well, absolutely, good morning, annita, the word l morning, annita, the word devastating has been used, for us, for the travel industry, it is a further blow, we have not been trading since march of last year in anyway, shape orform, and what trading since march of last year in anyway, shape or form, and what was even more disappointing was the kind of disrespect for way that the british government rolled out the news without giving an announcement or even talking to us as a trade

ahead to give us some idea of what was coming in the announcement. what grant shapps and the government did yesterday in many ways, in our view, was to really disrespect our industry, they broke the hearts of many business owners, travellers and holidaymakers, but also started to break their spirit, and that is just so difficult for us because as an industry, we've been suffering for 15 months now with no revenue and it just can't go on. they set up this traffic light system to allow safe travel, which we fully support, and yet yesterday, they changed the rules, in our opinion. that yet yesterday, they changed the rules, in our opinion.— rules, in our opinion. that is interesting. _ rules, in our opinion. that is interesting, you _ rules, in our opinion. that is interesting, you say - rules, in our opinion. that is interesting, you say that - rules, in our opinion. that is interesting, you say that it l rules, in our opinion. that is| interesting, you say that it is breaking people's spirits, you feel that the government has changed the rules, the government is saying this morning that it has to proceed with caution in order to protect potentially, although a final decision hasn't been made on this, the reopening, the final release of restrictions in england on 21st june. do you respect that point of

view? june. do you respect that point of view? ~ . , june. do you respect that point of view? ., ,,. , ,. view? we always respect public health, it has _ view? we always respect public health, it has been _ view? we always respect public health, it has been our - view? we always respect public health, it has been our priority| view? we always respect public. health, it has been our priority as an industry right the way through. but travel and travel on the green list seems to have been put up as the sacrifice to have 21stjune reopening, which is fine, we understand that, but the traffic light system was set up to have a green watch system, that wasn't mentioned yesterday, portugal was moved right off, so it is those kind of things which are making it hugely difficult for us. 50 of things which are making it hugely difficult for us.— difficult for us. so you think if the government _ difficult for us. so you think if the government had - difficult for us. so you think if the government had stuck- difficult for us. so you think if the government had stuck to | difficult for us. so you think if. the government had stuck to its traffic light system, you say they have changed the rules, if it had stuck to it, it could have both, the potential reopening on 21stjune, as well as more travel? that potential reopening on 21st june, as well as more travel?— well as more travel? that was the idea, i certainly _ well as more travel? that was the idea, i certainly have _ well as more travel? that was the idea, i certainly have not - well as more travel? that was the idea, i certainly have not seen - well as more travel? that was the j idea, i certainly have not seen too much in the government —— from the government which points in a different direction from that, and thatis different direction from that, and that is the evidence that we have seen so far. if they would like to share with us the reason behind it, we would be pleased to support them. people might ask, isn't it possible to conduct all of these meetings, at the moment, on zoom or by other

methods, and therefore avoid the need for travel entirely for business purposes right now? well, that is a question _ business purposes right now? well, that is a question i _ business purposes right now? well, that is a question i get _ business purposes right now? -ii that is a question i get asked many times, and we have actuallyjust recently launched the business travel tracker with travel logics, which is highlighting the lost gdp each week. this week out of the top ten countries that business people travel to, we have lost about 4 billion gdp compared to the same week in 2019. those people travelling are notjust people going out to have meetings, they are engineers, construction workers, architects, you cannotjust do all business over zoom. and this industry, the business travel industry, the business travel industry, is part of the support network to the aviation industry and to everything in between, and the government have ignored the importance of business travel in the recovery of the uk economy, and they do so at their peril. you recovery of the uk economy, and they do so at their peril.— do so at their peril. you say that the government _ do so at their peril. you say that the government has _ do so at their peril. you say that the government has treated - do so at their peril. you say that the government has treated the | the government has treated the industry disrespectfully in the manner of the announcement, without giving the industry any notice,

taking many people by surprise, so, with this continued uncertainty, what would you like to hear from the government, what would you like to see from the government, with regards to support for the sector? well, i think we absolutely expect that furlough must be extended for this industry and others that have still effectively got a closed sign above the door and i look to hearing very shortly from the government on that, given the announcement that we have had. and i think completely it is to continue to engage, and that's what's missing. we're here to help, clearly the priority is to protect the health of our population, but equally, we have to get back to travelling, we have to get back to trading, we are a global trading nation and we need that engagement using the traffic light system to get back safely as quickly as we possibly can. get back safely as quickly as we possibly can-— get back safely as quickly as we ossibl can. . ~' ,, , . possibly can. thank you very much for “oininu possibly can. thank you very much forjoining us— possibly can. thank you very much forjoining us today _ possibly can. thank you very much forjoining us today to _ possibly can. thank you very much forjoining us today to give - possibly can. thank you very much forjoining us today to give us - possibly can. thank you very much forjoining us today to give us your thoughts, clive wratten, ceo of the business travel association. some of

your tweets now... this one says, i really don't get what is the big issue with allowing fully vaccinated people to travel, it should be an incentive for everyone to get their jab and there should be exemptions for those who can't, they could carry a badge or something like that. this one says... my daughter is competing in croatia in a few weeks' time, she doesn't say in what, but thanks to the government announcement yesterday, flights have been cancelled, she may not get there now. this one says... just because the travel industry doesn't understand the science, does not mean these measures are not backed by it. vaccinated people carry some risk of transmission and the true propensity of mutations, anyone of which could destroy our pursuit of normality. this one says... quarantine at home, many people just won't bother and hope they don't get caught out. fed up, says this one, all these people who are so keen to travel. this one says... stop being so damn selfish, have patience. at

this point i will remind you is always that sometimes people are not travelling for leisure, but for purposes to see love ones and for some very serious family situations. do keep those thoughts coming into me, i would like to read out some more. really great to get your opinion on all of that or any of the stories we are covering today. you can do that on twitter @annita—mcveigh, and you can use the hashtag #bbcyourquestions. and we are just hearing from easyjet that it is putting on additional seats returning to the uk from portugal on saturday, sunday and monday, as a result of the government's decision to remove portugal from result of the government's decision to remove portugalfrom the result of the government's decision to remove portugal from the green list and put it on the amber list on tuesday. so basically if you have not got back from portugal to the uk by four o'clock in the morning on tuesday, then you have to quarantine at home for ten days. but easyjet is saying it is putting on additional seats on saturday, sunday and monday, anticipating a demand for people trying to get back to get

ahead of that quarantine coming in. estimates on the number of britons in portugal at the moment, around 110,000 people. so, ithink we in portugal at the moment, around 110,000 people. so, i think we can expect some pretty busy flights of people trying to get back. the authorities in hong kong have closed off a large part of a park in the city where people traditionally gather each year to mark the anniversary of the 1989 tiananmen square massacre. thousands were killed when chinese authorities cracked down on protests in beijing 32 years ago. this is the scene in victoria park, which normally would be full of thousands of people marking the anniversary. police have warned that anyone crossing into the park could face up to 12 months injail. for context, this was victoria park last year on the anniversary. thousands of people turned out despite authorities banning official memorials due to the coronavirus pandemic. earlier, one of the organisers of the annual vigil, chow hung tang, was arrested by police. with more details, here's our correspondent in hong kong, danny vincent.

i think this type of arrest, it came in the very early hours of the morning, so it will be seen as a sign to many activists, protesters and ordinary hong kongers who would like to victoria park to mark the day, it will be seen as a deterrent because i think it's now unclear what it will mean for other people that choose to try to mark the day or try to even encourage others to mark the day. it's important to note that the vigil has been banned for two years. this is the first time... i think the difference between this year and last year is that hong kong now has a stringent national security law, so there is certainly an atmosphere of fear, ever since that law was passed around a year ago. it's also important to note that there was one organiser that was arrested today, but many organisers of the vigil last year are already detained

for participating and essentially organising the event last year. so, thousands of hong kongers usually will gather in victoria park to mark the event, to mark this day, that usually happens around 8pm in the evening hong kong time, so hong kong residents will probably still be trying to find alternative ways to remember the victims of the 1989 june 11th crackdown. the us presidentjoe biden has commemorated the anniversary, praising the courage of the courage of the tiananmen generation. he added... "china s continuing oppression of its own people

a spokesman for china's foreign ministry hit back at the us. translation: regarding this - political disturbance that happened in the end of the 1980s, the chinese government already draw a clear conclusion on that. the us statement interferes with china's internal affairs and we firmly reject that. the us, before attacking other countries under the pretext of human rights, should look at itself in the mirror and do some soul searching for its own poor record in human rights. the uk chancellor has said he's hugely optimistic ahead of a meeting of finance ministers from the g7 group of leading economies to discuss the taxation of technology giants. speaking ahead of the two—day event in london, rishi sunak said that he believed they could make progress on some of the world's most pressing economic challenges. delighted to welcome today g7 finance ministers to the uk. it's the first time we've met in person in two years and i believe we can make significant progress

in tackling some of the world's most pressing economic challenges. firstly, providing support to vulnerable countries through coronavirus. secondly, making sure that we meet our ambitions on net—zero and tackling climate change. and thirdly, ensuring that the way we tax large, global, especially digital companies is fair and fit for the modern age. jeevun sandher is an economist at king s college london and former uk treasury official, and hejoins me now. thanks forjoining us on bbc news. before we talk about taxation, i want to bring in those latest lines from the world health organization about the covax programme, the who saying it is 200 million doses behind and where it would like to be with the vaccination programme, and not yet on track to get us out of this, is the quote. to what extent do you think those g7 finance ministers are going to be focusing on this, if for no other reason than

economic self—interest? on this, if for no other reason than economic self-interest?— economic self-interest? yes, it absolutely _ economic self-interest? yes, it absolutely should _ economic self-interest? yes, it absolutely should be _ economic self-interest? yes, it absolutely should be the - economic self-interest? yes, it absolutely should be the first i absolutely should be the first priority of the g7 to buy low—income countries the vaccines they need. look, in a global pandemic, none of us are safe until all of us are safe, and we know that we need at least $30 billion up front right now, to ensure that the globe can be vaccinated. 40% by the end of this year, 60% in the middle of next year. and the benefits to the global economy will be worth around $9 trillion. that would be the largest investment return in the history of humankind. so, the first thing today the chancellor and his colleagues from across the world should be doing is getting out their pens and writing those checks. 50. doing is getting out their pens and writing those checks.— writing those checks. so, it is auoin to writing those checks. so, it is going to be — writing those checks. so, it is going to be interesting - writing those checks. so, it is going to be interesting to - writing those checks. so, it is going to be interesting to see writing those checks. so, it is - going to be interesting to see what we hear in terms of firm pledges on that, pledges which aren'tjust rhetoric, but our reality? == rhetoric, but our reality? -- cheques- — rhetoric, but our reality? -- cheques. yes, _ rhetoric, but our reality? » cheques. yes, indeed, and i am really hoping we do see a commitment from those g7 finance ministers, as i said, the largest return probably in the history of humanity, and

also, we can all get back to normality and i am sure we all want that as well. normality and i am sure we all want that as well-— that as well. talk to us about what the are that as well. talk to us about what they are going _ that as well. talk to us about what they are going to _ that as well. talk to us about what they are going to do _ that as well. talk to us about what they are going to do on _ that as well. talk to us about what they are going to do on tax - they are going to do on tax avoidance and also the issue of corporation tax is going to be on the agenda, the us has proposed a global minimum rate of 15% and all countries accept the uk have basically agreed that, how awkward is this for the hosts? == basically agreed that, how awkward is this for the hosts?— is this for the hosts? -- except the uk. it is is this for the hosts? -- except the uk- it is a — is this for the hosts? -- except the uk. it is a little — is this for the hosts? -- except the uk. it is a little bit _ is this for the hosts? -- except the uk. it is a little bit awkward. - is this for the hosts? -- except the uk. it is a little bit awkward. the . uk. it is a little bit awkward. the chancellor seems hopeful that he is going to a deal so we stood should see something today on corporation tax, if not today, the next week, but the key is stopping companies like microsoft and amazon paying less corporation tax on their profits than at the corner shop down the road does. companies like microsoft say they are not actually making profits in the uk, they are making profits in the uk, they are making them in a tax haven. microsoft made £220 billion in profit last year, they paid zero corporation tax because they claim that their profits are made in bermuda. i am sure bermuda is a wonderful place but i don't for a second believe that bermuda is the

place where microsoft is making their money. so today, hopefully come the first steps to ensure that microsoft pay about the same amount of tax is the corner shop down the road. ,, ., of tax is the corner shop down the road, ,, ., ., , of tax is the corner shop down the road. ,, ., ., , ., road. so, what is it that the uk wants, road. so, what is it that the uk wants. just _ road. so, what is it that the uk wants, just explaining - road. so, what is it that the uk wants, just explaining a - road. so, what is it that the uk wants, just explaining a bit - road. so, what is it that the uk i wants, just explaining a bit more detail, what they want iron doubt? at the moment the uk has imposed a digital services tax on people like google and facebook et cetera. now, what they want to ensure is that this global deal on tax will ensure they get enough tax back from these tech giants, ensuring that they are protecting their own tax revenue, in addition as well, the uk at the moment is to your a 15% rate, other countries are pushing for a slightly higher rate of 21%. 21% would raise around $250 billion globally, about £50 billion for the uk, so that is also another point of contention. all the uk get of their deal from the tech giants and will that rate be acceptable to the united kingdom and the chancellor?— and the chancellor? arguably even bi aer and the chancellor? arguably even bi . . er than and the chancellor? arguably even bigger than any — and the chancellor? arguably even bigger than any of _ and the chancellor? arguably even bigger than any of those _ and the chancellor? arguably even

bigger than any of those issues - and the chancellor? arguably even bigger than any of those issues is l bigger than any of those issues is the climate emergency, are we going to hear anything from g7 about investment tackle that? i am hoping we will but it — investment tackle that? i am hoping we will but it looks _ investment tackle that? i am hoping we will but it looks at _ investment tackle that? i am hoping we will but it looks at the _ investment tackle that? i am hoping we will but it looks at the moment l we will but it looks at the moment that what we are going to see is a vague statement about it and some more reporting requirements for firms to say what the climate impact of their investments are. it is good if firms show us what their investments are and how much damage it is doing to the climate, but that is really not going to get the job done. what we need to see today is the g7 putting the money up and paying our way forward. the cost isn't that large, about 1% of global gdp, to stop catastrophic climate change. we should remember, too, this planet does not belong to us, we keep it in stewardship for future generations, and reopen it to them for every single person to leave them a clean planet. i hope today them a clean planet. i hope today the g7 finance ministers do make commitments to spend the money that is required to get us to zero by 20 50. g is required to get us to zero by 20 50. , ,,., ., is required to get us to zero by 20 50. g ., �* , 50. jeevun sandher from king's colleae 50. jeevun sandher from king's college london, _ 50. jeevun sandher from king's college london, thank - 50. jeevun sandher from king's college london, thank you - 50. jeevun sandher from king's college london, thank you very 50. jeevun sandher from king's - college london, thank you very much.

the belarusian opposition leader, svetla na tikhanovskaya, has warned that no one should believe the so—called confession of the journalist, roman protasevich, broadcast on thursday by state television. the detained journalist was shown, tearfully admitting to helping organise anti—government protests. mark lobel reports. a belarusian state tv presenter introduces an allegedly involuntary interview with the jailed blogger thatis interview with the jailed blogger that is demanded that is released immediately. we are not broadcasting the interview. during it, roman protasevich questions the financing of an influential social media operation remaining from poland. the ledgers a politician is funded by lithuanian taxpayers and says he respects the present. ending the interview bursting into tears, saying he hopes one day to marry and

have children. his father calls the interview attempted torture. translation: i interview attempted torture. translation:— interview attempted torture. translation: , , translation: i feel the deepest ain. it is translation: i feel the deepest pain. it is difficult _ translation: i feel the deepest pain. it is difficult to _ translation: i feel the deepest pain. it is difficult to speak - translation: i feel the deepest pain. it is difficult to speak about| pain. it is difficult to speak about my feelings. i am sorry. but it is very painful to see this. roman protasevich has called for an end to street protests in another interview on state tv. so far, thousands have marched against august's disputed election, many have been in prison or fled the country. but election, many have been in prison or fled the country.— or fled the country. but president lukashenko's _ or fled the country. but president lukashenko's authoritarian - or fled the country. but president| lukashenko's authoritarian regime lu kashenko's authoritarian regime does lukashenko's authoritarian regime does not appear to be buckling because of them, or a flight ban on sanctions from the us, eu and uk. so what of this latest twist? as belarus is the only european country

that executes prisoners, roman protasevich it's interview may have been an act of survival after he told fellow passengers as he left the plane before his detention, he feared he would face the death penalty. mark lobel, bbc news. nepal's prime minister has made an urgent plea to world leaders to provide vaccines for his country as it undergoes a severe second wave of coronavirus. in an exclusive interview with the bbc, kp sharma oli said the uk had a particular responsibility to help, given its close ties to nepal. experts suggest that a huge surge in cases and deaths in may, was due to the country's border with india remaining open. our south asia correspondent, rajini vaidyanathan, asked the prime minister, what nepal needs now. i called our neighbours and otherfriends, global, international organizations and others to support us,

and we got support also from different governments and organizations, nepalese and others, but it's not enough. and we are trying to get more support. and particularly we want to buy vaccinations now. if you don't get the vaccines you need, how bad could the situation get in the months to come here in nepal? we'll get the vaccine. we cannot imagine that we will not get the vaccine, because that will be devastating. you were relying on india for vaccines and obviously with the situation there, there's no exports. covax can't send vaccines out either because of the situation in india — or certainly those astrazeneca doses. so, i mean, what's your general feeling about how countries like nepal have taken a hit because of the way vaccines are in the world being distributed? this cannot be a medium

of owning for any company or the government. they can own, but the distribution should bejustified. that every country, every company should realise that this is the achievement of the entire humanity and entire humanity gives the right to get this. this is not one little question of mercy, but this is the right of the people. a few weeks ago, we weren't even sure you'd still be in office. you faced votes of no confidence. some of your critics point to the fact that you held big political rallies in the spring. were you more focused on the politics of staying in power than dealing with the pandemic? the question of politics and government and the question of pandemic is different.

all the political parties had to be united, had to join us, come together to fight against covid—19. but, prime minister, you have people in your own party who've turned against you, haven't you? some people did that — instead of fighting against covid—19, they were fighting against me. the world health organization is warning that very few of the 150 million donated covid—19 vaccines doses for covax, the global facility designed to distribute vaccines fairly, are for the next two months. it also says �*we are setting ourselves up for failure if we don't get more. it comes as president biden has announced the us will donate 19 million doses of covid—19 vaccines to covax, which has said it needs two billion doses for lower income countries. david willis, our north america correspondent, sent this report.

america's vaccination programme is already being hailed a success and buoyed by a dramatic fall in the number of coronavirus cases, government officials are using words such as "encouraging," to describe an effort that's already seen nearly two thirds of adults here receive at least one jab. now the time has come to help others. having successfully secured enough vaccine supply for americans, we are donating surplus us vaccine supply and encouraging other countries with surplus supplies to do the same. the president has announced a us commitment to sharing a total of 80 million doses by the end ofjune. so that's 25 million doses that will go out as soon as possible, very quickly. not quick enough to catch up with the chinese, however, were earlier this week the first batch of vaccine that it intends to donate was pictured rolling off the production line. china is donating 10 million doses

of its sinopharm vaccine to covax, a programme set up by the world health organization to get vaccine doses to poorer nations. although some help is now under way, it's nowhere near enough. in central and south american nations where the virus is running rampant, a shortage of vaccine threatens to send the crisis spiralling out of control. hence this week's public and impassioned plea from the president of the world bank in behalf of ecuador, on behalf of ecuador, el salvador and honduras. these next few weeks are vital, that in particular the us frees up excess to go to programmes that exist. we are ready to take them tomorrow in the three countries i mentioned and by two weeks from now in more countries within latin america. each of us has an important role in this global vaccination effort. in africa, the situation is even

more acute in some countries, fewer than 1% of the population have received a single dose of the vaccine and the world health organization is warning of a possible third wave of the virus. the threat of a third wave in africa is real and rising. vaccines are key to staving off a new surge and keeping the most vulnerable africans out of critical care. vaccines are truly a gift that will keep on giving. america's promise of 80 million doses by the end of the month is nowhere near enough. according to estimates here, vaccinating just 70% of the world's population would require around 11 billion doses. this 19 million doses donation from president biden is a good first step. it is churlish to complain, right? on the other hand, it's not commensurate with the size of the problem and the need,

it is like putting a really tiny band—aid on a giant, gaping, bleeding wound. joe biden came into office vowing to restore america's position as a leader in global health. but this isn't something the us can do alone, hence we can expect some major arm—twisting when the leaders of the g7 industrialised nations come together next week in the uk. david willis, bbc news, los angeles. big crowds will be allowed back at organised outdoor events in wales from monday, as part of a further easing of coronavirus restrictions. the maximum capacity will be 4,000 if spectators are standing, or 10,000 if they're seated. groups of up to 30 will be allowed to meet outdoors, including in private gardens. however, the welsh government said there was "growing concern" about the spread of the delta variant. first minister mark drakeford says he's taking a cautious approach to opening up. our wales correspondent tomos

morgan is in cardiff. with wales leading vaccination rates in the uk and worldwide when it comes to first dose of vaccinations, the first minister today in his three—weekly review will be easing some mixing restrictions in wales. so, from monday, up to 30 people can meet outside in private gardens or in outdoor hospitality settings. and then as well from monday, for the first time since the pandemic began, crowds of up to 4,000 standing and 10,000 seated can go and watch outdoor events such as sporting events, concerts and can also partake in park runs. however, social distancing, two metres will need to be enforced in both those environments. there are less than 100 cases of the delta variant in wales at the moment. however, the first minister and the welsh government were concerned about the potential influx of cases from hotspots area in the north of england.

we've always taken in wales, a careful, cautious step—by—step approach. lifting restrictions when we think it's safe to do so, but not putting at risk everything that we've managed to achieve together over the last four or five months. we are in a good position in wales today, our rates are the lowest in the united kingdom, our vaccination rates are the highest in the world. but just across our border, the new delta variant is spreading very quickly. we know it is more transmissible, there are signs that it may create more people needing hospital treatment as a result, we will wait to see further evidence. provided things are good, we will move ahead but we are not going to take risks that would mean that the very good position we are in today could be rapidly undermined. the other announcement the first minister has made today is that from 21stjune, the rule of six will come

into play in wales indoors, something that's already in force in england and there will also be an easing on indoor activities and events. i think what is clear from today's announcement, something we already knew here in wales, something we already knew here in wales, something the first minister has always said really that 21stjune will not be a day in wales that all restrictions will finish, as is planned in england. that was never going to be the case in wales. it is a phased move down to alert level1 over the next couple of weeks up until the 21st and the likelihood is, with all the uncertainty still around the delta, that indian variant, is that wales will be in this alert level 1 for quite some time, until they get all the details and more people are vaccinated. a few more of your tweets on the travel story. sue has said, she is

furious, the decision is ridiculous and everything is stricter than the uk, masks worn properly and everybody sanitising regularly and restaurants were clearer than here. this says, there is little information about euro travel tunnel, particularly travelling through france to another destination. glenn says, i am disgusted the travel industry is putting profit before safety. it is clear the travel industry are putting their recovery before customers or people in destination hotspots. shot all but essential travel, he says. keep those thoughts coming into me. in australia, a dozen media outlets have been handed hefty fines for contempt of court over their coverage of the conviction of cardinal george pell on child sex abuse charges. the cardinal, who has always maintained his innocence, was released from prison last year after his convictions were quashed. phil mercer reports from sydney. justicejohn dixon had some pretty stern words for sections

of australia's media as he convicted and sentenced a dozen media organisations for contempt of court. he said that broadcasters and newspapers had displayed a blatant and wilful defiance of the court's authority. he also said that the media had tried to usurp the function of the court. this all relates to a suppression order that was imposed in the latter part of 2018. this order was put in place after cardinal pell was found guilty by a jury of abuse charges. the reason this order was put in place was to protect a second trial that cardinal george pell was due to have faced. the reason being was that the judge didn't want that second hearing to be prejudiced in any way by that earlier guilty verdict. but in the event, some media organisations reported on that guilty verdict. they didn't name cardinal george pell. the media said they were taking a stand against what they were describing as the secrecy and censorship surrounding

the cardinal george pell case. they were, though, faced with contempt of court charges and today they have received their penalties, ranging from a few hundred dollars to a few hundred thousand dollars. the judge, as we say, particularly scathing of certain media organisations saying they were trying to subvert suppression orders in the state of victoria. cardinal george pell was jailed for six years, he served more than 400 days in prison before his convictions were overturned by australia's high court last year. cardinal george pell, a former papal adviser had always maintained his innocence. phil mercer, bbc news, sydney.

breaking news coming into is about the hillsborough disaster in which 96 liverpool fans died at the 1989 fa cup semifinal. we are learning that two police forces have agreed to pay damages to more than 600 people after a cover up following the disaster. the lawyers acting for the disaster. the lawyers acting for the families have said the south yorkshire and west midlands forces agreed the settlement earlier this year, but it is only now being reported. it had to wait until the conclusion of other legal proceedings. so the settlement was agreed earlier this year on behalf of 601 claimants. a spokesman for lawyers said the settlement of these claims marks the end of an unparalleled and extraordinary fight forjustice by the victims and their

families. so the south yorkshire and west midlands forces have agreed to pay damages to more than 600 people after a cover—up following the hillsborough disaster in which 96 liverpool fans died. a statue of the slave trader edward colston, toppled during an anti—racism protest in bristol in south—west england, is going on public display. it is in a museum close to where it was thrown into the city's harbour. the statue is covered in graffiti and damaged from being dragged along the street, and is displayed alongside placards from the protest. the british normandy memorial opens this weekend to mark the 77th anniversary of the world war ii d—day landings. it was built overlooking what was once known as gold beach, and it honours more than 22,000 men and women who lost their lives there in june 1944. our correspondentjohn maguire has been hearing some of the stories from that historic day.

kent was born and raised in cambridgeshire and was serving with the royal scots when he landed in normandy on d—day. it the royal scots when he landed in normandy on d-day._ the royal scots when he landed in normandy on d-day. it was all life 'ackets normandy on d-day. it was all life jackets soaked _ normandy on d-day. it was all life jackets soaked in _ normandy on d-day. it was all life jackets soaked in blood _ normandy on d-day. it was all life jackets soaked in blood and - normandy on d-day. it was all life jackets soaked in blood and the i normandy on d-day. it was all life | jackets soaked in blood and the sea was red with blood. and that really, you know, put me off a bit, but i thought to myself, i am here, i have got to keep going. he thought to myself, i am here, i have got to keep going-— got to keep going. he was 'ust 22 ears old got to keep going. he was 'ust 22 years old when i got to keep going. he was 'ust 22 years old when he * got to keep going. he wasjust 22 years old when he attempted - got to keep going. he wasjust 22 years old when he attempted his| years old when he attempted his first precarious steps onto what was codenamed, gold beach. along with the veterans, families of those who fought and died liberating normandy will attend a memorial at the national arboretum in staffordshire. they will watch a video link from france as the normandy memorial has its official opening. chris bates will be there, his uncle sidney, nicknamed basher is the only

recipient named on the memorial. they were all brave men, whether they want a medal or not. sometimes i spend a week travelling round the paying my respects so our lads are being visited. it gets a bit emotional, you know. that is how it is. there is a lot of young men out there, i think it is good we should remember them and keep visiting them wherever we can. here remember them and keep visiting them wherever we can-— wherever we can. here at the national archives _ wherever we can. here at the national archives of - wherever we can. here at the national archives of the - wherever we can. here at the i national archives of the original wartime documents. a valuable resource that formed just part of the research by jane resource that formed just part of the research byjane furlong, who spent more than nine months determining and double—checking every single name on the memorial. the memorial itself is ordered by date. so that what you can do is you are going round the memorial itself, you can follow the tide of battle.

you will see naturally the 6th of june, huge numbers of casualties on that day. as you go around the memorial, you will see other elements. some days are quieter than others, some days had more casualties than others. but you can get a feel for that as you are physically walking around it. those who are not _ physically walking around it. those who are not on _ physically walking around it. those who are not on the _ physically walking around it. those who are not on the walls, - physically walking around it. those who are not on the walls, the - physically walking around it. those who are not on the walls, the ones who are not on the walls, the ones who made it home were fortunate says eric strange. he was a young sub—lieutenant in charge of beach landing craft. it sub-lieutenant in charge of beach landing craft-— sub-lieutenant in charge of beach landing craft. it was very rough on june the 5th _ landing craft. it was very rough on june the 5th and _ landing craft. it was very rough on june the 5th and sixth, _ landing craft. it was very rough on june the 5th and sixth, very - landing craft. it was very rough on | june the 5th and sixth, very rough. i was picked up and dropped off on the beach. the others had to go over on their own steam, which was a bit naughty. 40 foot open barges, because it wasn't a quiet evening, very rough sea. it was a hell of a thing to happen something you want to keep in your mind in a way. but it is alla to keep in your mind in a way. but it is all a long time ago. 51am

to keep in your mind in a way. but it is all a long time ago.— it is all a long time ago. such was the scale of _ it is all a long time ago. such was the scale of d-day, _ it is all a long time ago. such was the scale of d-day, the _ it is all a long time ago. such was the scale of d-day, the brutality. it is all a long time ago. such was l the scale of d-day, the brutality of the scale of d—day, the brutality of war and the loss of so many on both sides, including civilians, those who survived say they do feel lucky. and to this day, talk of the duty they fail to tell the world of their experiences in an attempt to prevent such loss of life from ever happening again. hap ' pe john ning again. happening again. john maguire, bbc news. now, we're used to football being described as the beautiful game, but who knew it was also romantic? victory over chelsea in the fa cup final last month not only meant english premier league side leicester city lifted the famous trophy for the first time in their history, it also helped a woman from leicester get an engagment ring more than 70 years after being promised one. it was a long wait but it was worth it. he used to say it every time. you'll get your ring when city win the cup. in 1948, cecil angel proposed

to his sweetheart, margaret. money was tight so the deal was a proper engagement ring when his beloved leicester city won the fa cup. i never thought i'd get one, to be honest. they got to the final so many times, and i never got my ring. over the decades, margaret got her hopes up on four occasions but it wasn't to be until now. so how does that hand feel, margaret, with a sparkler like that on it now? it's wonderful. have you taken it off yet? no. i haven't taken it off yet. never will. i'm not going to take it off either. sadly, cecil is no longer around to see the football moment he'd always longed for but his son, mike, decided to step in and honour a promise — a ring his mum deserves and his dad would have wanted her to have. loved his football, loved his sport, loved cricket, rugby. followed leicester, leicestershire with absolutely everything.

loved his family. good joker. great sense of humour. it'sjust a matter of whether we're all alive for leicester city to win it. yeah, they've made it. 73 years later but they've done it. last week we told the angel family story and it turned out a certain football club was watching. they decided margaret should have another surprise. hello, margaret. i've got something really special to hand over to you. _ i think you probably know what this is, don't you? l that's beautiful. so margaret, would you like to just tap the fa cup with that promise i that your husband and you made? the gold united with the silverware. i've been waiting for this for a long time, so thank you all. they've made my dream come true. fantastic. i didn't imagine anything like this would happen. but to have the fa cup in your garden with your mother and just looking at a 96—year—old with a big grin on her face... you had a lump in your throat, didn't you?

i've got a lump in my throat, definitely. without doubt. and so did you. for a football club still basking in fa cup glory, this has been a cherry on the cake. one of the best ones, presentations, i've ever done and believe you me i've done a few over the years. - but for margaret, fantastic. what a beautiful story! she's had to wait for - 74 years to get hold of it. i was going to say, it took you long enough. it took us long enough. i think if we'd have known margaret was waiting we might _ have done it quicker. it's been fantastic. and for margaret, this was the fulfilment of a life promise and the ultimate way to honour the man who made it. i'm sure my husband is up there feeling very happy with his self. kathryn stanczyszyn, bbc news. what an absolutely wonderful story. the engagement ring and the cup in

the back garden, i think everybody was very, very pleased all round. you're watching bbc news. now it's time for a look at the weather, with nick miller. hello. our weather isn't as warm as it's been, but still very pleasant where you get to see some sunshine and there will be some pleasant sunny spells at times through the weekend, which will be mainly dry, just a few showers around here and there. today, looking at the recent satellite picture the cloud in northern ireland, parts of western scotland producing a few showers. thick cloud here running into southern, south—eastern parts of england and producing some outbreaks of rain gradually extending further northwards across eastern england as we go on into the afternoon. the further east you are, there could be some heavy and thundery bursts in this. elsewhere, we get to see some sunshine. in scotland, a few showers around this afternoon and the best of the sunshine will be across eastern parts, feeling very pleasant with temperatures into the high

teens, close to 20 celsius. quite a bit of cloud around in northern ireland, but some hazy brightness but here too there will still be some showers around this afternoon. across much of northern england into wales and into south—west england, some sunshine. very high uv levels in south wales and south—west england, so strong sunshine here and there may be a shower to be had in cornwall and devon. very isolated. outbreaks of rain still affecting parts of eastern england this evening and tonight and perhaps even very first thing tomorrow morning. overnight, you may pick up a shower in northern ireland and north—west scotland. where it is clear tonight, temperatures towards mid—single figures in the very coolest rural spots. the big picture for the weekend, these weather fronts try to come in, they weaken, they fizzle out and high pressure becoming re—established across the uk for part two of the weekend. on sunday all of that means quite a bit of dry weather around, pleasantly warm, sunny spells.

it will be a slow start in the east of england on saturday, cloud, may be a bit patchy rain to clear away and it will brighten up. some showers around in northern ireland and north—west scotland into the afternoon, could be heavy and possibly thundery. you may pick up a shower later in the day in the far west of wales and the far south—west of england. there may well be interruptions to the cricket at lord's today from the rain, but over the weekend plenty of time to catch up, plenty of play. it'll be dry, broken cloud, sunny spells. and on sunday, it won't be clear blue sky, there will be some areas of cloud around and a light shower can't be ruled out but the vast majority will be having a fine, dry day with those sunny spells and temperatures into the high teens or late 20s. the high teens or low 20s.

this is bbc news. i'm anita mcveigh. the headlines at 11. a furious backlash from travel companies over the government's decision to remove portugal from its green list of 'covid—safe countries'. ministers insist they have taken a 'cautious approach'. i think when we're coming up to an important decision as a country whether to do the next phase of reopening on 21stjune or not, it is important now for us to be careful not to jeopardise the progress that we've made. british holiday—makers who return from portugal from tuesday will have to self—isolate at home for 10 days. airlines say the decision is a 'devastating blow�* for the industry. they're making it up as they go along, it's more mismanagement of the covid recovery by the johnson government and sadly it has created unnecessary disruption and stress for hundreds of thousands

of british families. are you one of the thousands of britons currently in portugal or have you booked a holiday, and are unsure what this decision means for your travel plans this summer? please do get it touch with me on this or any of the other stories we are covering today. i'm on twitter — @annita—mcveigh and use the hashtag bbc your questions. two police forces agree to pay damages to more than 600 people following a cover—up after the hillsborough disaster. large crowds will be allowed to gather at organised outdoor events in wales from monday, as part of the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions. nearly a year on from it being toppled and dumped in the bristol harbour, the statue of the slave trader edward colston goes on public display again. and coming up — remembering the heroes of d—day. final preparations are made to a new normandy memorial, ahead of its opening this weekend.

good morning and welcome to bbc news. the travel industry has described the changes to england's travel list announced yesterday as a "devastating blow". the government moved portugal from the green list of countries — meaning you don't have to quarantine when you arrive in the uk — to the amber list. amber list countries are those which uk tourists should not visit and if they do, they must isolate for 10 days on their return. seven countries, including egypt and trinidad and tobago, were added to the red list — countriesjudged to be highest risk which the government says you should only visit in extreme circumstances. the transport secretary grant shapps blamed the changes on rising numbers of infections in portugal and the presence of the so—called

"nepalese variant" — a mutation of the delta variant, which is thought to have originated in india. he said: "we simply don't want to take the risk as we come up tojune 21 and the review of the fourth stage". portugal said it didn't understand the logic of the move, and its tourism department tweeted that it would continue to carry out its own unlocking plan "with clear rules for the safety of those who live here and those who visit us." heathrow bossjohn holland kaye is among those criticisng the move, saying it is "all but guaranteeing another lost summer for the travel sector". the scottish, welsh and northern irish governments say they will adopt the same changes. public health england says the nepalese variant is already present in the uk. our business correspondent katy austin reports. since 17th may, trips to portugal have had the green light, with no quarantine when you get back. but from tuesday, that will change.

it is just going to put people off travel and that is very damaging for the travel industry. either we believe in the vaccines or we don't. we just literally missed the cut off to change our flight, we had to do it within two hours, so we can't even get money back. no new countries were added to the existing green list yesterday. portugal left that category and became amber, with the requirement to self—isolate at home for ten days upon return. it is not illegal to travel to these places, but the government has told people not to go to them on holiday. seven more countries were added to the highest risk red list, meaning returning uk residents must pay to quarantine in an approved hotel. the government said designating portugal as amber was necessary to avoid bringing variants of concern into the uk. the portuguese foreign ministry said on twitter...

ban international travel completely orjust communicate properly with people. it's just a bit silly. you have to have a system where either it is open or it's closed. there's families bringing out kids and people booked holidays for a long time. if it's closed, close it. it's very frustrating, _ because we came here because, portugal, green list, that's fine. so it is going to impact my work and stuff when i get back. - airlines and holiday companies, desperate for some trade desperate for summer trade after the crippling effect of more than a year of covid travel restrictions, expressed bitter disappointment. yesterday's announcement and the reality of today is incredibly disappointing for us, notjust as an airport but as an industry as a whole. but also for our customers. we've seen it in the media this morning and just heard the restrictions are really catching people out. they've had their vaccinations, they're ready to travel. so, a year are now from

when the travel corridors were first announced, and we've got one of the most successful vaccination programmes in the world, get we haven't really moved forward, so it is incredibly disappointing and frustrating. the transport secretary said a cautious approach must be taken, but travel businesses are frustrated and many holidaymakers face a sudden change of plan. this has been rebooked seven times. we did a lot of looking into whether it was safe to travel, and if we would have to quarantine on return. we're looking at trying to fly back slightly earlier. there doesn't appear to be that many flights, unfortunately. the next review of the traffic light system is expected in three weeks' time. katy austin, bbc news. we will continue with this in just a moment but let me bring you some news from the uk medicines

regulator, the mhra which says it is extending current approval of the biontech vaccine to allow its use in 12-13 biontech vaccine to allow its use in 12—13 —year—olds. it is biontech vaccine to allow its use in 12-13 -year-olds.— 12-13 -year-olds. it is extending its current _ 12-13 -year-olds. it is extending its current uk _ 12-13 -year-olds. it is extending its current uk approval- 12-13 -year-olds. it is extending its current uk approval of- 12-13 -year-olds. it is extending its current uk approval of the i 12-13 -year-olds. it is extending - its current uk approval of the mhra to allow its use in 12—15 —year—olds which does not necessarily mean there will be an imminent roll—out of the vaccine to that age group, but that news is just in. let's continue with the travel story, the news that yesterday portugal was removed from the green list. no new countries were added to the green list and some were added to the red list. this morning, the housing secretary robertjenrick said a cautious approach needed to be taken to protect the progress the uk has made fighting the pandemic. first of all, we always said we'd dropped a cautious approach. adopt a cautious approach. i appreciate it's very disappointing and frustrating for people who are in portugal and for those people who work in the industry,

but we have made so much progress as a country as a result of our vaccine roll—out, that we do need to adopt a cautious approach to protect the uk from infection from new variants. with respect to portugal, there are two important considerations. firstly, we saw a very significant rise in positivity in recent weeks, in fact it's doubled in portugal in three weeks since the last review point, to take it to a much higher level than we see here in the uk. secondly, perhaps most importantly, although both countries have prevalence of what is known as the indian variant, delta variant, we've also seen a further mutation emerge, become prevalent within portugal, now known as the nepal variant. and we thought it was important to be cautious whilst we're still learning more about this new variant. we don't know yet whether it's going to be a problem, but our scientists are doing research as we speak. they are looking at whether it is more transmissible and virulent and above all, whether our current set of vaccines

are effective against it. whilst we do that research, i think most people, i hope most people, will appreciate that it's right to be careful. ryainair chief executive michael o'leary remains confident that holiday—makers will be able to travel across europe this summer despite portugal being removed from the green list. yes, we'll have to deal with occasional government mismanagement such as their removal of portugal from the green list yesterday. also, the remarkable failure of the british government to add malta and the balearics. in malta and the balearics, they have much lower covid case rates than the uk and malta has vaccinated more of its people. so there is equally no reason why they haven't been added to the green list. there will be short—term disruptions, but over the main through the end ofjune, july, august, september we see most of europe going back on holidays and british visitors will be welcome to the beaches of portugal, spain and greece on their ryanair flights.

our correspondent james reynolds is at gatwick airport for us this morning. we can see the rain still hasn't stopped, the kind of weather that will inspire us to try and escape to sunnier climes, but you were telling me earlier that there were around seven flights due to go to portugal today. have many people actually turned up for the flights, the earlier flights? turned up for the flights, the earlierflights? it turned up for the flights, the earlier flights?— turned up for the flights, the earlier flights? it looks like they have. i earlier flights? it looks like they have- i spoke — earlier flights? it looks like they have. i spoke to _ earlier flights? it looks like they have. i spoke to many _ earlier flights? it looks like they have. i spoke to many people i earlier flights? it looks like they - have. i spoke to many people getting on that stairway behind me a little earlier on and i began by asking them what did they make of the fact that portugal had gone from green to amber. i think that it shouldn't have been done _ i think that it shouldn't have been done so _ i think that it shouldn't have been done so quick. i think the government has messed up in the past and they— government has messed up in the past and they are _ government has messed up in the past and they are trying to make it up, but thai's— and they are trying to make it up, but that's affecting the people that actually _ but that's affecting the people that actually need to go out. i�*m but that's affecting the people that actually need to go out.— actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate. _ actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate. i— actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate, i can _ actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate, i can see _ actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate, i can see there - actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate, i can see there for - actually need to go out. i'm very fortunate, i can see there for a l fortunate, i can see there for a long _ fortunate, i can see there for a long time. _ fortunate, i can see there for a long time, slightly _ fortunate, i can see there for a long time, slightly i _ fortunate, i can see there for a long time, slightly i am - fortunate, i can see there for a long time, slightly i am just. fortunate, i can see there for a i long time, slightly i am just riding with it _ long time, slightly i am just riding

with it it— long time, slightly i am just riding with it it is— long time, slightly i am just riding with it. it is sad _ long time, slightly i am just riding with it. it is sad it _ long time, slightly i am just riding with it. it is sad it has _ long time, slightly i am just riding with it. it is sad it has happened, i with it. it is sad it has happened, sad for— with it. it is sad it has happened, sad for friends _ with it. it is sad it has happened, sad for friends who _ with it. it is sad it has happened, sad for friends who want - with it. it is sad it has happened, sad for friends who want to - with it. it is sad it has happened, sad for friends who want to visit,j sad for friends who want to visit, but i _ sad for friends who want to visit, but i am — sad for friends who want to visit, but i am in — sad for friends who want to visit, but i am in a _ sad for friends who want to visit, but i am in a fortunate _ sad for friends who want to visit, but i am in a fortunate situation.j but i am in a fortunate situation. where _ but i am in a fortunate situation. where are — but i am in a fortunate situation. where are you _ but i am in a fortunate situation. where are you going? _ but i am in a fortunate situation. where are you going?— but i am in a fortunate situation. - where are you going?_ what where are you going? portugal. what do ou where are you going? portugal. what do you think — where are you going? portugal. what do you think about _ where are you going? portugal. what do you think about the _ where are you going? portugal. what do you think about the new _ do you think about the new restrictions? i got igot him i got him just as he was going into the main lounge. i also spoke to four men who were on their way to portugal. i said, four men who were on their way to portugal. isaid, are four men who were on their way to portugal. i said, are you going to because quarantine? they said, no, we're coming back on monday night just hours before the quarantine comes in, but a lot of travellers coming here to gatwick will now realise that almost all them now, when they get back from their trip, if it is a trip or a holiday, will have to quarantine in that amber list which means staying at home and taking two desks for up to ten days when they finish when they come back. a flying visit for those menu spoke to. we know that easyjet have announced are putting on extra seats on saturday, sunday and monday to

get people back, so the officials at the airport, are they anticipating a very busy time with people trying to beat that deadline, the tuesday morning deadline to beat the quarantine? i think that is certainly what we have heard from portugal is that those out there at the moment who are taking advantage of the fact that portugal was on the green list are now trying to get back before monday and they are seeing not only if they have bookings, if they can get bookings on other flights and they will have to check with gatwick whether there is extra capacity for those. i cannot imagine the authorities want everyone back in one go for the idea is not to have people moving all around at the same time during a pandemic. thank you very much, james. james reynolds at gatwick airport. cristovao norte is a member of the portuguese parliament, representing the algarve region — which is heavily dependent on tourism. he told me earlier that he was 'caught by surprise' by the decision and that — to his knowledge — there were only 12 cases of the nepalese variant in portugal. i respect the decision but i don't think it's a fair decision. there were no major changes

in the portuguese pandemic situation in the last few weeks. we have had a spike in the lisbon area, none in the algarve whatsoever. people wear masks, people obey the rules. we are prepared to receive people, our vaccination process is growing steadily. and for us, we were caught by surprise. i have heard today the housing secretary stating that the prevalence of the nepalese variant, the so—called nepalese variant, was predominant in portugal. that is not the case. we have had just 12 cases of the nepalese variant. and maybe, i don't know for sure, i think the uk has many more cases of the nepalese variant than portugal. so, mr norte, when the uk

government says that the number of infections has doubled in portugal in the last couple of weeks, does the spike that you speak of in lisbon, does that account for that increase in infections? yes. we haven't had deaths, we have a death per day in the last 14 days, we don't have problems in the hospitals but we have had that spike, and that spike explains that rise, because we had a very, very low numbers in the last month, just on the two past weeks, the numbers have risen a little bit. but we have 66 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. we have a transmission rate of 1.07, i think it's more or less the same as the uk.

so, for us, it's disappointing, it's an unfortunate decision. we hope, by 21stjune, this will be reviewed, because it was a huge blow for our tourism industry. mpfor mp for the algarve region there. dr deepti gurdasani is a senior lecturer of epidemiology at queen mary university. she told me the virus is constantly evolving so it is 'critical to contain transmission'. it seems to be, from what the report is saying — it's hard to say without seeing the actual data — that it's the delta variant, the so—called indian variant, which has some mutations on top of it that are similar to the beta or the so—called south african variant. these mutations have already been seen, so this particular variant that's being described is already present in the uk.

this virus is constantly evolving, the delta variant is constantly developing mutations on top of it, and it's no surprise that will develop mutations if it's allowed to transmit. mutations that may be similar to other variants and may potentially confer more escape against vaccines or other properties. that's why it's critical to contain transmission and control import of cases at borders because this situation, although it's not very good now, could get worse if we let this continue. more of your pot from twitter now. soapbox connor says, i have little sympathy for those who have to quarantine on return from portugal. holiday—makers were fully aware that this could happen anew there was a risk portugal could be moved off the green list, though many people have been making the point that they were expecting that there would be more of a warning this time from the government about what countries were

in consideration for being moved off the parts of the list. this one from... let me find the tweets. susan, i agree with red, amber and green restrictions and no more should go to portugal, but she thinks that those out there should be allowed home without penalty on this occasion. this from run writer three, if everyone is being vaccinated and daily deaths are just about in double figures, why are we stilljustifying the measures? it seems a disproportionate response considering the impact it is having on business and young people. we can speak now to zina bencheikh, managing director of intrepid travel. good to have you with us. you offer small group adventure holidays, more than 1000 escorted tours worldwide and i wonder how many of your current customers are affected by this announcement yesterday. its, lieu?

this announcement yesterday. a few of them because _ this announcement yesterday. a few of them because between _ this announcement yesterday. a few of them because between the - this announcement yesterday. t7 of them because between the time that portugaljoined the green list and the time we needed to get ready to actually create and sell trips, it needs some operation time. we had three of our customers landing yesterday and as they landed, they did not know about the news and we had to contact them and it has been an extreme shock for them as they arrived in portugal and we already needed to have them come back to the uk. did needed to have them come back to the uk. , ., ., . ., ~ needed to have them come back to the uk. did the announcement take you by surrise? i uk. did the announcement take you by surprise? i spoke _ uk. did the announcement take you by surprise? i spoke to _ uk. did the announcement take you by surprise? i spoke to someone - uk. did the announcement take you by surprise? i spoke to someone from - surprise? i spoke to someone from the business travel association earlier who described the announcement as disrespectful because he said the travel industry had not been given any notification in advance. ., , , had not been given any notification in advance-— had not been given any notification in advance. ., , , ., , , in advance. completely, it has been leaked in the _ in advance. completely, it has been leaked in the press, _ in advance. completely, it has been leaked in the press, the _ leaked in the press, the communication has been extremely poon communication has been extremely poor. it has been a shock, to be honest with you. but we have been promised and told that this traffic light system would bring more clarity and it has actually not brought that. we find ourselves in a

similar situation to last year with the travel corridors and that flip—flopping of countries coming in and out from it, so it is an extreme shock for us. and out from it, so it is an extreme shock for us— shock for us. there is clearly a lot of pent-up _ shock for us. there is clearly a lot of pent-up demand _ shock for us. there is clearly a lot of pent-up demand and _ shock for us. there is clearly a lot of pent-up demand and a - shock for us. there is clearly a lot of pent-up demand and a desire l shock for us. there is clearly a lot l of pent-up demand and a desire to of pent—up demand and a desire to travel, but are you worried that people are just going to say, you know, for this year, it isjust people are just going to say, you know, for this year, it is just too complicated, too uncertain and not want to book?— complicated, too uncertain and not want to book? completely, because even a green _ want to book? completely, because even a green destination _ want to book? completely, because even a green destination like - even a green destination like portugal was a few days ago is now becoming a complicated one to go to, so the uncertainty and complexity affects consumer confidence so it is very difficult for us to manage as a travel business. it's difficult to anticipate and understand what we have in our hands to play with with this continued _ have in our hands to play with with this continued uncertainty for the travel sector, what more would you like to see from the government by way of support? to like to see from the government by way of support?— way of support? to be honest, not enou:h way of support? to be honest, not enough has _ way of support? to be honest, not

enough has been _ way of support? to be honest, not enough has been done _ way of support? to be honest, not enough has been done and - way of support? to be honest, not enough has been done and we - way of support? to be honest, not| enough has been done and we have been claiming for a while now that probably the only financial support that has been significant which is the furlough scheme has not even been designed properly to support the travel industry, so with the latest new yesterday, what we need is a dedicated industry specific support to help us to get through because i do not think a lot of businesses, especially smaller ones, travel agents, there are so many who rely on the summer season this year and it does not like it will happen. thank you very much for your time today. i'm nowjoined by luke housell a holiday makerfrom portmouth. i would be holiday—maker. i say would be because you had booked to go to portugal on tuesday. have you decided what you are going to do, what you are able to do? at decided what you are going to do, what you are able to do?- what you are able to do? at the minute, what you are able to do? at the minute. i _ what you are able to do? at the minute, i don't _ what you are able to do? at the minute, i don't know— what you are able to do? at the minute, i don't know what - what you are able to do? at the minute, i don't know what to i what you are able to do? at the l minute, i don't know what to do. what you are able to do? at the - minute, i don't know what to do. we are left in limbo at the last minute and we haven't got a lot of time to make a decision, really, so we tried contacting travel company and we have had no answer, i was on hold

for two hours. our e—mails have had no replies, no answer on social media, is about the moment, we are left to our own devices to try to make some sort of decision. when did ou book make some sort of decision. when did you book the — make some sort of decision. when did you book the holiday? _ make some sort of decision. when did you book the holiday? once _ make some sort of decision. when did you book the holiday? once we - make some sort of decision. when did you book the holiday? once we had i you book the holiday? once we had the nod from _ you book the holiday? once we had the nod from the _ you book the holiday? once we had the nod from the government - you book the holiday? once we had the nod from the government to i you book the holiday? once we had| the nod from the government to say that portugal was on the green list, then we made our plans and books are holiday, so it would have been a couple of weeks ago. haunt holiday, so it would have been a couple of weeks ago.— holiday, so it would have been a couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot, couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot. then. — couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot. then. was _ couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot, then, was it _ couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot, then, was it when _ couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot, then, was it when you - couple of weeks ago. how much of a shot, then, was it when you heard . shot, then, was it when you heard the announcement yesterday? despite knowing all of the advice about the cautious approach and these decisions will be reviewed, did you still feel pretty sure that portugal was going to be good to go? yes. was going to be good to go? yes, definitel . was going to be good to go? yes, definitely- i— was going to be good to go? yes, definitely. i am _ was going to be good to go? fie: definitely. i am absolutely devastated. myself and my partner were really looking forward to a break and to find out at such short notice that it has been changed really at the drop of a hat, it is quite upsetting for us. i understand ou have quite upsetting for us. i understand you have been _ quite upsetting for us. i understand you have been working _ quite upsetting for us. i understand you have been working right - quite upsetting for us. i understand| you have been working right through the pandemic, so as you say, you are absolutely desperate for a chance to

recharge and sunshine.— recharge and sunshine. that's exactly it- _ recharge and sunshine. that's exactly it. we _ recharge and sunshine. that's exactly it. we work _ recharge and sunshine. that's exactly it. we work in - recharge and sunshine. that's - exactly it. we work in commercial construction, we have been flying the flag and keeping the economy going and we were really looking forward to getting a little breakaway and recharging and to go again, so like i said, we are in limbo with what we are going to do. there is a dilemma, isn't there, because the advice the foreign & commonwealth office has given, it does not advise against travel to portugal yet portugal is now or about to be on the amber list, so those two things do not align. what that means for you potentially is that means for you potentially is that you are able to go perhaps. the holiday company has no imperative to pay y°u holiday company has no imperative to pay you the money back, so you either have to go and then quarantine or else lose a lot of money potentially.— quarantine or else lose a lot of money potentially. yeah, that's correct. money potentially. yeah, that's correct- if _ money potentially. yeah, that's correct. if we _ money potentially. yeah, that's correct. if we fail _ money potentially. yeah, that's correct. if we fail to _ money potentially. yeah, that's correct. if we fail to go - money potentially. yeah, that's correct. if we fail to go and - money potentially. yeah, that's correct. if we fail to go and we. correct. if we fail to go and we didn't go and we lost the money, that's annually to grant deficits,

so that is not something i want to be swallowing, but on the other side, if i go away and quarantine when i come back, i need to think about the other people in my household, my children for example, what they have to be kept off school? there is a lot dropped on our laps last minute. fin school? there is a lot dropped on our laps last minute.— school? there is a lot dropped on our laps last minute. on a practical level, do our laps last minute. on a practical level. do you _ our laps last minute. on a practical level, do you think— our laps last minute. on a practical level, do you think you _ our laps last minute. on a practical level, do you think you can - our laps last minute. on a practical| level, do you think you can manage to quarantine? i level, do you think you can manage to quarantine?— level, do you think you can manage to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i could to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i could work— to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i could work from _ to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i could work from home _ to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i could work from home perhaps - to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i could work from home perhaps forj to quarantine? i mean, fortunately, i i could work from home perhaps for a week, but i would have to fork out for the covid tests that i needed to leave my house early. i cannot speak for my girlfriend because, you know, i do not know how effective it is for her to be off quarantining at home. it's really hard as a decision to make, to be honest with you. so when are you going to make the decision? you have a deadline, haven't you?— decision? you have a deadline, haven't you?_ will i decision? you have a deadline, . haven't you?_ will you decision? you have a deadline, - haven't you?_ will you go haven't you? all, mate! will you go to the last minute _ haven't you? all, mate! will you go to the last minute and _ haven't you? all, mate! will you go to the last minute and then - haven't you? all, mate! will you go to the last minute and then decide. to the last minute and then decide or make a decision before that? i’m or make a decision before that? i'm auoin to or make a decision before that? in going to try to make a phone call to the company, the travel agent again, see if i can get any sort of

contact. if not, then i think i will have to go and quarantine when i get back. ., ., ~' have to go and quarantine when i get back. ., ., 4' ., ~' have to go and quarantine when i get back. ., ., ~ ., ,, i. have to go and quarantine when i get back. ., ,, i. ., have to go and quarantine when i get back. ., ,, ., ., ,, ., back. look, thank you for talking to us. a difficult _ back. look, thank you for talking to us. a difficult situation _ back. look, thank you for talking to us. a difficult situation to _ back. look, thank you for talking to us. a difficult situation to be - back. look, thank you for talking to us. a difficult situation to be in, - us. a difficult situation to be in, but if you do go, i hope you have a lovely time and enjoy some sunshine. thank you very much. the cabinet minister, michael gove, will take part in a pilot scheme to find safe alternatives to self—isolation, after coming into contact with someone who has covid. he will take daily coronavirus tests, rather than remaining at home for ten days. mr gove has recently returned from portugal after supporting chelsea in the champions league final. big crowds will be allowed back at organised outdoor events in wales from monday, as part of a further easing of coronavirus restrictions. the maximum capacity will be 4000 if spectators are standing, or 10,000 if they're seated. groups of up to 30 will be allowed to meet outdoors, including in private gardens. however, the welsh government said there was "growing concern" about the spread of the delta variant. first minister mark drakeford says he's taking a cautious approach to opening up.

our wales correspondent tomos morgan is in cardiff. with wales leading vaccination rates in the uk and worldwide when it comes to first dose of vaccinations, the first minister today in his three—weekly review will be easing some mixing restrictions in wales. so, from monday, up to 30 people can meet outside in private gardens or in outdoor hospitality settings. and then as well from monday, for the first time since the pandemic began, crowds of up to 4,000 standing and 10,000 seated can go and watch outdoor events such as sporting events, concerts and can also partake in park runs. however, social distancing, two metres will need to be enforced in both those environments. there are less than 100 cases of the delta variant in wales at the moment. however, the first minister

and the welsh government were concerned about the potential influx of cases from hotspots area in the north of england. we've always taken in wales, a careful, cautious step—by—step approach. lifting restrictions when we think it's safe to do so, but not putting at risk everything that we've managed to achieve together over the last four or five months. we are in a good position in wales today, our rates are the lowest in the united kingdom, our vaccination rates are the highest in the world. but just across our border, the new delta variant is spreading very quickly. we know it is more transmissible, there are signs that it may create more people needing hospital treatment as a result, we will wait to see further evidence. provided things are good, we will move ahead but we are not going to take risks that would mean that the very good position we are in today could be rapidly undermined. the other announcement the first minister has made today

is that from 21stjune, the rule of six will come into play in wales indoors, something that's already in force in england and there will also be an easing on indoor activities and events. i think what is clear from today's announcement, something we already knew here in wales, some think here in wales, something the first minister has always said really that 21stjune will not be a day in wales that all restrictions will finish, as is planned in england. that was never going to be the case in wales. it is a phased move down to alert level1 over the next couple of weeks up until the 21st and the likelihood is, with all the uncertainty still around the delta, that indian variant, is that wales will be in this alert level 1 for quite some time, until they get all the details and more people are vaccinated. the ons says there's been a 'marked increase' in the number of people claiming to have had long covid for at least a year.

new figures suggest that, in the four weeks to the 2nd of may, around 376,000 people reported having symptoms for 12 months or longer. that's up from 70,000 in the four weeks to the 6th of march. regulator the mhra has said the pfizer vaccine is safe let's go back to that breaking news that the uk's medicines regulator the mhra has said the pfizer vaccine is safe for use in 12—15 year olds. with me is our health correspondentjim reed. what exactly has the regulator said? the european drug regulator made a similar decision six days ago and now we have had this recommendation from the mhra in the uk saying that the pfizer vaccine, they have said, they have carefully reviewed the data and they think it is safe and effective to be used on those between 12 and 15 years old. they have already given approval for older teenagers, 16 and 17—year—olds and this is that younger group

between 12 and 15. they say the benefits of using the vaccine in that group would outweigh any risks. this is just a that group would outweigh any risks. this isjust a recommendation that group would outweigh any risks. this is just a recommendation from the safety regulator. it then goes through to a group called the joint committee on fax night asian and immunisation, a group of independent scientists that will look at this and give their recommendation to the government and to ministers across the uk in the devolved nations to see if it will be used in that age group. see if it will be used in that age urou -. ~ . see if it will be used in that age ”rou,. ., ., , see if it will be used in that age u-rou.~ ., ., ,., see if it will be used in that age a-rou.~ ., ., ., ., see if it will be used in that age a-rou. ~ ., ., , ., ., ., ., group. what does all of that mean for the actual _ group. what does all of that mean for the actual roll-out _ group. what does all of that mean for the actual roll-out of _ group. what does all of that mean for the actual roll-out of the - for the actual roll—out of the vaccine to that age group? that could come _ vaccine to that age group? trust could come potentially quite quickly. that recommendation was made in the eu, in europe, six days ago and then the french president, presidents micron, said it will be used from june 15 on 12—15 —year—olds or at least offer to that group in france. they have not quite made that decision but we have just had a statement from the government in the last ten minutes saying they have asked the joint committee on vaccination and immunisation to

advise them on whether it should be offered to 12 to 17—year—olds. they say, we will be guided by expert advisers and they will update the public in due course.— advisers and they will update the public in due course. thank you for that update- _ now it's time for a look at the weather with nick miller. hello. temperatures may not be as high as they were earlier in the week, but it will still warm and you will see some sunshine today — that is across most parts of the uk. more cloud at times into northern ireland, west and especially north—west scotland, the odd spot of rain or a few showers around. more cloud across eastern parts of england with some areas of rain moving northwards, maybe a few heavy and thundery bursts around, particularly the further east you are. and the odd late day shower cannot be ruled out in south—west england, but very isolated. overnight, some outbreaks of rain in eastern most counties of england. you may catch a shower in northern ireland and north—west of scotland where it is clear temperatures towards mid—single figures in rural spots. plenty of sunshine to start the day tomorrow, but slowly brightening up in eastern england. chances of showers

in northern ireland, north—west scotland, chances of heavy, maybe thundery showers into the afternoon and running into the far west of wales and south—west england. elsewhere, pleasant, sunny spells. hello this is bbc news with me, anita mcveigh. the headlines... the uk medicines regular has approved the use of the pfizer coronavirus vaccines for 12 to 15—year—olds, saying the benefits of having the jab outweight the risks. a furious backlash from travel companies over the government's decision to remove portugal from its green list of 'covid—safe countries'. ministers insist they have taken a 'cautious approach'. british holiday—makers who return from portugal from tuesday will have to self—isolate at home for 10 days. airlines say the decision is a �*devastating blow�* for the industry. two police forces agree to pay damages to more than 600 people

following a cover—up after the hillsborough disaster. large crowds will be allowed to gather at organised outdoor events in wales from monday, as part of the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions. sport and for a full round up, from the bbc sports centre, here�*s sarah mulkerrins. good afternoon. rain at lords has delayed the start of day three of england against new zealand, with the hosts trailing by 267 runs. the tourists�* total of 378 included 200 from devon conway, who became only the seventh man to make a double century on his test debut. in reply, england wobbled, but skipperjoe root and rory burns — the latter with a half century — led the fightback. england will resume, once the weather clears up, on 111 for 2.

you can stay right up to date on the bbc sport website. england�*s mel reid shares the lead on four—under—par at the us women�*s open in san francisco after day one of the major. she has missed the cut in four of her previous five appearances of this event, but had a great day on the tough course with 5 birdies before a bogey on the 18th. reid has never won a major before, her best placed finish was tied for third at the pga championship in 2019. and reid shares the lead with a 17—year—old american megha ganne, who is still in high school — and became the first amateur in 15 years to have a share of the lead after any round at the us women�*s open. ganne made back to back birdies on the back nine to join reid on four—under—par. england manager gareth southgate will wait until after sunday�*s warm—up match against romania before naming trent alexander—arnold�*s replacement for euro 2020. the liverpool defender picked up an injury in wednesday night�*s win

over austria and will be sidelined for around six weeks, meaning he will miss the tournament. jesse lingard, james ward—prowse and ollie watkins are just some of the names in contention to be called—up. alexander—arnold�*s liverpool and england team—matejordan henderson tweeted his sympathy. he wrote: "gutted for trent alexander—arnold, but he�*ll be back. lots of tournaments ahead of him." northern ireland were beaten 1—0 by ukraine in a friendly last night. having seen off malta on sunday, ian baraclough�*s side couldn�*t build on that win, with oleksandr zubkov scoring after only 10 minutes for the hosts, who are preparing for the euros. the republic of ireland recovered from a goal down to beat andorra 4—1 in another friendly. it�*s manager stephen kenny�*s first victory after 12 games in charge. there�*s uncertainty over whether naomi osaka will play at wimbledon.

she withdrew from the french open on monday, saying she needed to protect her mental health and has also pulled out of a tournament coming up in berlin. many other athletes have spoken about her decision not to speak to the media. formula one champion lewis hamilton, who�*s getting ready for this weekend�*s azerbaijan grand prix believes osaka hasn�*t been treated fairly. she is incredibly brave and i applaud herfor her bravery, because i think it is now asking those in power and making them have to think about how they react. because i think the way they reacted was not good with the fine. someone talking about their personal, mental health and then be fined for it, that wasn�*t cool. red bull�*s max verstappen finished fastest in the first practice session for the azerbaijan grand prix. the championship leader, who�*s four points ahead

of mercedes�* lewis hamilton, was 0.043 seconds faster than ferrari�*s charles leclerc. hamilton finished down in seventh after running off the track on his best lap. that�*s all the sport for now. i�*ll have more for you in the next hour. sarah, thank you very much, susan. we�*rejust hearing from sarah, thank you very much, susan. we�*re just hearing from british airways that they confirming additional flights to get people currently on holiday in portugal back to the uk before 4am on tuesday, when of course, the country officially moves to the uk�*s amber list. three additional flights, officially moves to the uk�*s amber list. three additionalflights, ba says from faro, on saturday, sunday, and monday. the statement, we are an increasing number of flights from portugal who wish to help to tend the uk, you can see there before it moved to the embolus, on 4am on tuesday, the 8th ofjune. easyjet is saying, little earlier, it was also putting on extra flights to get people back before the need to

quarantine. the authorities in hong kong have closed off a large part of a park in the city, where people traditionally gather each year to mark the anniversary of the 1989 tiananmen square massacre. thousands were killed when chinese authorities cracked down on protests in beijing 32 years ago. this was the scene this morning in victoria park, which normally would be full of thousands of people marking the anniversary. police have warned that anyone crossing into the park could face up to 12 months in jail. for context, this was victoria park last year on the anniversary — thousands of people turned out, despite authorities banning official memorials due to the coronavirus pandemic. earlier, one of the organisers of the annual vigil, chow hung tang, was arrested by police. with more details, here�*s our correspondent in hong kong, danny vincent. i think this type of arrest, it came in the very early hours of the morning, so it will be seen as a sign to many

activists, protesters and ordinary hong kongers who would like to victoria park to mark the day, it will be seen as a deterrent because i think it�*s now unclear what it will mean for other people that choose to try to mark the day or try to even encourage others to mark the day. it�*s important to note that the vigil has been banned for two years. this is the first time... i think the difference between this year and last year is that hong kong now has a stringent national security law, so there is certainly an atmosphere of fear, ever since that law was passed around a year ago. it�*s also important to note that there was one organiser that was arrested today, but many organisers of the vigil last year are already detained for participating and essentially organising the event last year. so, thousands of hong kongers usually will gather in victoria park

to mark the event, to mark this day, that usually happens around 8pm in the evening hong kong time, so hong kong residents will probably still be trying to find alternative ways to remember the victims of the 1989 june 4th crackdown. nepal�*s prime minister has made an urgent plea to world leaders to provide vaccines for his country as it undergoes a severe second wave of coronavirus. in an exclusive interview with the bbc, kp sharma oli said the uk had a particular responsibility to help, given its close ties to nepal. experts suggest that a huge surge in cases — and deaths — in may, was due to the country�*s border with india remaining open. our south asia correspondent, rajini vaidyanathan, asked the prime minister what nepal needs now. i called our neighbours and otherfriends, global,

international organisations and others to support us, and we got support also from different governments and organisations, nepalese and others, but it�*s not enough. and we are trying to get more support. and particularly, we want to buy vaccinations now. if you don�*t get the vaccines you need, how bad could the situation get in the months to come here in nepal? we�*ll get the vaccine. we cannot imagine that we will not get the vaccine, because that will be devastating. you were relying on india for vaccines and obviously with the situation there, there�*s no exports. covax can�*t send vaccines out either because of iwas one of your i was one of your general feeling about countries like how nepal have taken a hit because of the way vaccines are in the world being distribute?

this cannot be a medium of owning for any company or the government. they can own, but the distribution should be justified. that every country, every company should realise that this is the achievement of the entire humanity and entire humanity gives the right to get this. this is not one little question of mercy, but this is the right of the people. health ministers from the g7 nations are meeting in oxford for a second day today to discuss global health security amid the coronavirus pandemic. the talks will also focus on the development of vaccines. earlier, i spoke to robert yates — executive director of the centre for universal health, at the independent international affairs institute, chatham house. i started by asking him whether getting vaccines to lower income countries would be top of the agenda. you would have thought so,

given what we have heard about new variants coming from india and nepal. it is in all our interests to vaccinate the world quickly and fairly. there is a major danger the major leaders will be looking more to the next pandemic as opposed to sorting this one out, but this ought to be the priority to vaccinate the world quickly. you think there might be a mismatch about what they want to talk about, what they might focus on and what you say they ought to be focusing on? yes, i think so. for our countries, with very good vaccination rates, we are talking about going on holidays and coming out of this crisis as if it has all been sorted. but to millions and billions of people around the world, they are still in the grips of the pandemic. it is really dreadful that we are stockpiling so many vaccines at the moment and not sharing them with the rest of the world. on thursday, the secretary of state said we brits love queueing.

there is nothing more upsetting than someone jumping the queue. to the likes of the south african president, say, looking at that, that doesn�*t look to be the case that we love queueing, as we should be sharing our vaccines with other countries. yet, the messaging from a number of organisations to the g7, in the last few days, has been focused on an appeal to their self interest, saying, if you want to get back on track with your economies and everything else, you need to make sure that lower income countries are vaccinated as well, otherwise your plans will go awry. do you think that particular appeal will refocus minds? you would hope so. from a health perspective, an economic perspective and a political perspective, but an ethical one as well, it is obvious we should be doing this. there is an amazing consistency from the world bank, the imf, world health organization and other world leaders that this is what the g7 should be doing. if they are seriously going to go

down in history as great g7 leaders, it is almost a case they should prioritise this and nothing else. talking about future pandemics, at the moment, it feels like talking about fire prevention in a burning building. we have got to put out the fire now. what would you want to hear from this meeting that would give you a real sense that the reality is going to match the rhetoric? the asks are very common among so many people, that it is about sharing vaccines now, roughly a billion vaccines should be freed up and put into covax, the facility who distributes them around the world. we need about $50 billion worth of public financing put into more vaccines, tests and medecines, but also strengthening health systems and to speed up technology transfers — we need more places making vaccines, right across the world, particularly sub—saharan africa

and that is what everyone is saying, and i it�*s some real actions on those things is exactly what is needed. g7 health ministers are meeting amid growing vaccine hesitancy. new research across 15 countries show anxieties about side—effects and perceived trial uncertainties is driving global vaccine hesitancy. the survey by imperial college london found the countries with the highest trust in vaccines was the uk with 87% followed by israel at 83%. the lowest trust in vaccines was in south korea and japan — both with 47%. among respondents who hadn�*t yet been vaccinated, pfizer was the most trusted across all age groups in nine of the 15 countries. let�*s speak now to melanie leis, author of this report and director of the big data and analytical unit at imperial college london. melanie, great to have you with us. why these high levels of trust in

some countries and low levels in others? i5 some countries and low levels in others? , . . some countries and low levels in others? , ., . , ., some countries and low levels in others? . , ., . others? is an excellent question. we do not ask people — others? is an excellent question. we do not ask people why _ others? is an excellent question. we do not ask people why they - others? is an excellent question. we do not ask people why they have - do not ask people why they have those specific views on trust, but we do see this interesting parallel between some of the countries where the vaccine roll—out has been a little bit quicker, and are a little bit further ahead of the game, those tend to be a little higher trust, so we look at countries like the uk and israel, where the roll—out has been a little bit quicker, versus countries like south korea and japan where the are in the early stage of the vaccine roll—out, there seems to be something around the more vaccines are rolled out, and the more vaccines become available to the population, the more trust seems to increase. this isjust an association, there is no validity... that was my next question, it was it�*s a play about availability, of the vaccine, and advanced roll—out, or was it more about cultural issues of perhaps that driving up the hesitancy in some instances? there are two questions _ hesitancy in some instances? there are two questions we _ hesitancy in some instances? there are two questions we ask _ hesitancy in some instances? there are two questions we ask you - hesitancy in some instances? there are two questions we ask you one l hesitancy in some instances? there | are two questions we ask you one is trust on the vaccines, the other is a trust in the authorities�* ability to deliver the vaccines to them. we

do see that in general, in most countries, people have higher trust in the vaccine than in the ability of their own health authorities to deliver one. there are big differences, so for example, italy, 81% of the population say they trust the covid—19 vaccines, but less than half, 49% believe that there are —— then authorities could deliver them with an effective covid—19 vaccine. there�*s something about trust in authorities and is at play here. we have been talking today about the latest lines from the world health organization, saying that covax programme to get vaccines to low income countries is about 200 million doses behind where it ought to be. right now. clearly, there is a big problem for dealing with the pandemic. do you think that hesitancy around vaccines could also be a very big problem around dealing with the pandemic?— with the pandemic? absolutely. i think hesitancy _ with the pandemic? absolutely. i think hesitancy is _ with the pandemic? absolutely. i think hesitancy is going - with the pandemic? absolutely. i think hesitancy is going to - with the pandemic? absolutely. i think hesitancy is going to be - think hesitancy is going to be something properly that we started to focus on more once the group of people that are very much willing to get the vaccine are able to access

it and we start feeling that then that remaining group, let say, across our 15 countries, we do see that two reasons, for the people that two reasons, for the people that are most hesitant, never one concerns of the side effects, and number two, concerns that the vaccine has not gone enough trial. this is a bit of the double—edged sword of the vaccines are being developed so quickly, people feel a little bit uneasy about the trialling process of the vaccines, there is a lot that we can do to clarify these concerns and to make sure that the public are reassured. i wonder are you seeing any of the countries you have looked at, in those countries, are you seeing some of them on the cusp of moving from higher levels of hesitancy to being persuaded that they ought to have the vaccination? if so, what is going on in those country is? i don�*t know if anyone —— any one country mine. it don't know if anyone -- any one country mine-— country mine. it is definitely a aood country mine. it is definitely a good question. _ country mine. it is definitely a good question, and _ country mine. it is definitely a good question, and over - country mine. it is definitely a good question, and over time | country mine. it is definitely a i good question, and over time we country mine. it is definitely a - good question, and over time we have asked this question about trust and the vaccines since back in november, and we have seen trust in all of our

countries, they have increased from november to the beginning of so again, it sort of follows this process of approval and a lot of the vaccines, it seems that the more people are vaccinated, the more trust in those countries seems to grow. after the beginning of the year, we didn�*t see trust in some vaccines, in particular, starts to decrease a little bit, and so while trust is a still higher than it was backin trust is a still higher than it was back in november, we do think it is decreasing in some areas. ok. decreasing in some areas. ok, melanie leis. _ decreasing in some areas. ok, melanie leis, thank— decreasing in some areas. 0k, melanie leis, thank you very much for talking to us from imperial couege for talking to us from imperial college london. a body has been found in the search for a teenager who went missing after attending a rave, police said. frantisek morris, known as frankie, was last seen walking in pentir, near bangor, in gwynedd, north wales, at about 1.20pm on sunday may 2nd. the 18—year—old attended a party near snowdonia national park, the night before his disappearance. police have said the coroner has been informed, but no formal identification has taken place.

a statue of the slave trader edward colston, toppled during an anti—racism protest in bristol, will go on public display. it is in a museum close to where it was thrown into the city�*s harbour. the statue is covered in graffiti and damaged from being dragged along the street, and is displayed alongside placards from the protest. let�*s speak now to drjoanna burch brown, part of bristol council�*s we are bristol history commission, which works with local citizens and communities in bristol to better understand the city�*s legacy of transatlantic slavery and how it is still impacting the city today. thank you very much forjoining us and for your time today. this commission was announced by the mayor of bristol last year, wasn�*t it? tell us a little bit about what has happened since then, to try to further these aims of understanding the city cosmic history. i further these aims of understanding the city cosmic history.— the city cosmic history. i think we have been — the city cosmic history. i think we have been on _ the city cosmic history. i think we have been on a _ the city cosmic history. i think we have been on a journey _ the city cosmic history. i think we have been on a journey this - the city cosmic history. i think we have been on a journey this year, j have been on a journey this year, and we started out injune 2020,

realising that we have got to have a big conversation across the whole city that is going to bring people together, that will enable us to connect across political difference. and to make the kind of big changes, quick changes are possible right now towards greater equality, greater justice. but figuring out the right format for that has been really challenging, and so we have thought a lot about how we create a structure that will let people come together, share their views, listen together, share their views, listen to each other, and i think the display is a first step towards that. the display gives you a server to fill out, you can go and get get tickets to the display and then in that survey online, is going to collect people�*s voices, and it will see what people are feeling now, you�*re wrong, because they have changed so much, the views, there has been a lot of growth and change. we are have the survey, we will have —— we will find out a lot more about what you are thinking and feeling right now around this history and how it is being dealt with in the

city. then, at the end of this week, we are going to launch another big project, which i can�*t tell you about now, but keep an eye on that, it is going to be a chance for everyone to get involved in learning together and sharing the information that we are gathering. ok. i wonder, do think there _ that we are gathering. ok. i wonder, do think there are _ that we are gathering. ok. i wonder, do think there are people _ that we are gathering. ok. i wonder, do think there are people who - that we are gathering. ok. i wonder, do think there are people who were i do think there are people who were involved in toppling the statue of edward colston, putting it in the harbour there in bristol, who might think now, actually, that seeing it on display with the graffiti, the scuff marks, alongside placards from the protest, is actually the best place for it to be? and that this is a way that tells a much fuller story? i a way that tells a much fuller sto ? , ., , ., , ., story? i fully hope and believe that --eole story? i fully hope and believe that people think _ story? i fully hope and believe that people think this _ story? i fully hope and believe that people think this is _ story? i fully hope and believe that people think this is a _ story? i fully hope and believe that people think this is a great - story? i fully hope and believe that people think this is a great start, l people think this is a great start, it is the beginning of an exhibit, it is the beginning of an exhibit, it is the beginning of an exhibit, it is not a fully developed exhibit. we really wanted to hear from people on all different sides of the political issue about how they want this present i want to mention that the placards there, they are not the

only thing is being presented in the space. we also come above the statue, there is a little set of dialogues that gives one voice and then another voice and then another voice, and a rhetorical question. it says, i was euphoric when the statue came down, really, i was horrified. in the first person, says, i felt like a great weight was lifted. and then have a question, how do you feel when the statue came down? there is a little series of those which really, are designed to turn to the question back to the viewer, to the question back to the viewer, to think for themselves, to hear different views presented, but in a way that is notjust different views presented, but in a way that is not just a different views presented, but in a way that is notjust a fixed and oppositional, about a dialogue and use evolving and changing over time, which we think is what is happening right now. which we think is what is happening riaht now. g ., which we think is what is happening riaht now. ., �* . �* ., right now. ok, joanna burch brown, thank ou right now. ok, joanna burch brown, thank you very _ right now. ok, joanna burch brown, thank you very much. _ the british normandy memorial opens this weekend to mark the 77th anniversary of the world war two d—day landings. it was built overlooking

what was once known as gold beach, and it honours more than 22,000 men and women who lost their lives there in june 1944. our correspondentjohn maguire has been hearing some of the stories from that historic day. ken peppercorn was born and raised in cambridgeshire but was serving with the royal scots when he landed in normandy on d—day. it was all life jackets soaked in blood and the sea was all red with blood and that really, you know, put you off a bit. i thought to myself, "well, i�*m here, i�*ve got to keep going." he was just 22 years old when he attempted his first precarious steps on to what was codenamed gold beach. along with the veterans, those who fought and died, they will attend the commemoration at the national memorial arboretum in staffordshire. they will watch a video link from france as the normandy memorial has

its official opening. chris bates will be there, his uncle sidney, nicknamed basher, is the only victoria cross recipient featured on the memorial. its, victoria cross recipient featured on the memorial-— the memorial. a brave man like all of them, the memorial. a brave man like all of them. they _ the memorial. a brave man like all of them, they were _ the memorial. a brave man like all of them, they were all _ the memorial. a brave man like all of them, they were all brave - the memorial. a brave man like all of them, they were all brave men, | the memorial. a brave man like all. of them, they were all brave men, if they win _ of them, they were all brave men, if they win a _ of them, they were all brave men, if they win a medal or not. two or three _ they win a medal or not. two or three times _ they win a medal or not. two or three times a year, i spent a weekend. _ three times a year, i spent a weekend, a week if i can over there, travelling _ weekend, a week if i can over there, travelling around, pay my respects, 'ust travelling around, pay my respects, just so— travelling around, pay my respects, just so that — travelling around, pay my respects, just so that our lads are being visited — just so that our lads are being visited it— just so that our lads are being visited. it gets a bit emotional, you know? _ visited. it gets a bit emotional, you know? that is how it is. there is a lot— you know? that is how it is. there is a lot of— you know? that is how it is. there is a lot of young men out there, so ithink— is a lot of young men out there, so i think it _ is a lot of young men out there, so i think it is — is a lot of young men out there, so i think it is good that we should remember them i think it is good that we should rememberthem and keep i think it is good that we should remember them and keep visiting them. _ remember them and keep visiting them, wherever we can. remember them and keep visiting them, whereverwe can. he remember them and keep visiting them, wherever we can.— remember them and keep visiting them, wherever we can. he at the national archives _ them, wherever we can. he at the national archives of _ them, wherever we can. he at the national archives of the _ them, wherever we can. he at the national archives of the original. national archives of the original wartime documents. a valuable resource that formed just part of the research by gina furlong who spent more than nine months

determining and double checking every single name on the memorial. the memorial itself is ordered by date, so that what you can do is going around the memorial itself, you can follow the tide of battle. you will see, naturally, the 6th of june, huge numbers of casualties on that day. then, as you go around the memorial, you will see other elements of some days been quieter than others, some days there were more casualties. as you walk around, you can get a visceral feel for that, as you are physically walking around it. ., ., ., , around it. those not on the walls, the ones who _ around it. those not on the walls, the ones who made _ around it. those not on the walls, the ones who made it _ around it. those not on the walls, the ones who made it home, - around it. those not on the walls, | the ones who made it home, were fortunate, says this man. he was a young sub—lieutenant in charge of beach landing craft. it young sub-lieutenant in charge of beach landing craft.— beach landing craft. it was very rou~h, beach landing craft. it was very rough, actually, _ beach landing craft. it was very rough, actually, on _ beach landing craft. it was very rough, actually, on the - beach landing craft. it was very rough, actually, on the 5th - beach landing craft. it was very rough, actually, on the 5th of l beach landing craft. it was very i rough, actually, on the 5th ofjune and six, i got picked up and dropped off, on the beach. the rest of the lad had to go over on their own steam. it was a bit naughty. 40 foot open barges, as it wasn�*t a quiet

evening at all, very rusty. it was a hell of a thing to happen, so it is something that you keep in your mind in a way. it was all a long time ago. in a way. it was all a long time ato_ ., . in a way. it was all a long time ato, ,, . ., , in a way. it was all a long time auo. ,,. in a way. it was all a long time aro. ,, . ., in a way. it was all a long time 610. ,, . ., ago. such was the scale of delayed, the brutality — ago. such was the scale of delayed, the brutality of _ ago. such was the scale of delayed, the brutality of war, _ ago. such was the scale of delayed, the brutality of war, and _ ago. such was the scale of delayed, the brutality of war, and the i ago. such was the scale of delayed, the brutality of war, and the loss i the brutality of war, and the loss of so many on both sides including civilians. —— d—day. those who survive say they do feel lucky. and to this day, they talk of the duty they feel to tell the world of their experiences in an attempt to prevent such loss of life from ever happening again. now it�*s time for a look at the weather. hello. our weather is not quite as warm as it has been, but still very pleasant when you get to see some sunshine and there will be some pleasant sunny spells, at times, through weekend, the which will be mainly dry, just a few showers around. today, looking at the recent

satellite picture, the cloud in northern ireland, parts of western scotland, producing a few showers, thick cloud here running up into southern, south—eastern parts of england, producing some outbreaks of rain, gradually extending further northwards across eastern england as we go into the afternoon. the further east you are, they could some —— could be some heavy infantry outlets. elsewhere, we see some sunshine. in scotland, some showers around this afternoon, the sunshine it mostly will be in the eastern parts, very pleasant, and temperatures into the high teens, close to 20 celsius. quite a bit of cloud in northern ireland, but some hazy brightness at times, but here, as well, some showers around this afternoon. across much of northern england, into wales and into south—west england, some sunshine, very high uv levels in wales south—west wales and south—west england, may be a shower to be had in common devon. very isolated. outbreaks of rain still affecting parts of eastern england this evening and tonight. perhaps also evening and tonight. perhaps also even into the first morning.

overnight, you may pick up a show in northern ireland and north—west scotland. click tonight, temperatures towards mid—single figures, and the very chorus —— in the coolest rule spots. the big picture for this weekend, the weather friends try to come in, they weaken and fizzle out, high pressure establishes across the uk and across parts of the weekend. sunday, quite a bit of dry weather around a pleasantly warm and sunny spells. a slow start in eastern england on saturday, may be cloud is a bit patchy, rain to clear away, some showers in northern ireland and north and north—west scotland, into the afternoon could be heavy and possibly sunny, may be picking up some showers later in the day in the far west of wales and far south—west of england. there may well be interruptions to the cricket at lord�*s today from the rain, but over the weekend, plenty of time to catch up, plenty of play, it will be dry, broken cloud, sunny spells. sunday, it won�*t be clear blue sky, there will be some areas of cloud around, and a light shower can�*t be ruled out, but the vast majority can be having a fine, dry day with those

sunny spells and temperatures into the high teens and low 20s. this is bbc news. i�*m annita mcveigh. the headlines at midday. the uk medicines regular has approved the use of the pfizer coronavirus vaccines for children as young as 12 — saying the benefits of having the jab outweight the risks. two police forces agree to pay damages to more than 600 people following the hillsborough disaster. a furious backlash from travel companies over the government�*s decision to remove portugal from its green list of �*covid—safe countries�*. ministers insist they have taken a �*cautious approach�*. i think when we�*re coming up to an important decision as a country whether to do the next phase of reopening on 21stjune or not, it is important now for us to be careful not to jeopardise the progress that we�*ve made. large crowds will be allowed to gather at organised outdoor

events in wales from monday, as part of the latest easing of coronavirus restrictions. and coming up — remembering the heroes of d—day. final preparations are made to a new normandy memorial, ahead of its opening this weekend. the pfizer coronavirus vaccine has been approved by uk regulators for use in children between the ages of 12 and fifteen. the medicines watchdog, the mhra, said it was found to be safe and effective in that age group, after what it called a rigorous review of its safety. it�*s already been approved for older teenagers. the uk�*s vaccines committee will now decide whether children should get the jab. earlier we heard the details from our

health correspondent, jim reed. we�*ve been waiting for this for a while. in fact, the european drug regulator made a similar recommendation six days ago. now we have had this recommendation from the mhra in the uk saying that the pfizer vaccine, they have said, they have carefully reviewed the data and they think it is safe and effective to be used on those between 12 and 15 years old. they have already given approval for older teenagers, 16 and 17—year—olds and this is that younger group between 12 and 15. they say the benefits of using the vaccine in that group would outweigh any risks. this isjust a recommendation from the safety regulator. it then goes through to a group called the jcvi, thejoint committee on vaccination and immunisation, a group of independent scientists that will look at this and give their recommendation to the government and to ministers across the uk in the devolved nations to see if it will be used in that age group.

two police forces are to pay damages to more than 600 people following the hillsborough disaster. the south yorkshire and west midlands forces agreed the settlement earlier this year following a civil claim. nobody has ever been convicted over police actions following the disaster, in which 96 liverpool fans died at a 1989 fa cup semi—final. chris topping is director at broudiejackson canter, which is representing 215 claimants. hejoins me now. thank you very much for your time today. what more detail can you tell us about this agreement to pay damages? us about this agreement to pay damaaes? ~ us about this agreement to pay dama . es? ~ ., , us about this agreement to pay damaaes? ~ ., , , damages? well, the agreements is the roduct of damages? well, the agreements is the product of the — damages? well, the agreements is the product of the work _ damages? well, the agreements is the product of the work over _ damages? well, the agreements is the product of the work over last _ damages? well, the agreements is the product of the work over last few i product of the work over last few years after court proceedings against south yorkshire police and west midlands police sometime ago. the agreement has been confidential, the proceedings have been confidential up to this point in time, but we are pleased to say that the forces have agreed to pay

compensation to those who are the victims of the cover—up which was perpetrated after the hillsborough disaster way back in 1989. in many instances, claimants _ disaster way back in 1989. in many instances, claimants have - disaster way back in 1989. in many instances, claimants have died, i disaster way back in 1989. in many instances, claimants have died, so the compensation will be paid to their estate, presumably. that is correct, their estate, presumably. that is correct. yes- _ their estate, presumably. that is correct, yes. sadly, _ their estate, presumably. that is correct, yes. sadly, many- their estate, presumably. that isj correct, yes. sadly, many people that fought a long time to achieve justice for their loved ones and some haven�*t lived to see this day, some haven�*t lived to see this day, so it is a bittersweet feeling to get to this point in time, but, yes, as you say, damages will be paid to their estates. it as you say, damages will be paid to their estates.— their estates. it has been a very lona their estates. it has been a very long fight. _ their estates. it has been a very long fight, hasn't _ their estates. it has been a very long fight, hasn't it? _ their estates. it has been a very long fight, hasn't it? what i their estates. it has been a very long fight, hasn't it? what does long fight, hasn�*t it? what does this mean to those claimants who survive? it this mean to those claimants who survive? . . . . this mean to those claimants who survive? ., , , ., ., survive? it has been a long fight and it has _ survive? it has been a long fight and it has been _ survive? it has been a long fight and it has been a _ survive? it has been a long fight and it has been a torturous i survive? it has been a long fight| and it has been a torturous route and it has been a torturous route and quite how one would feel if you were in that situation is quite frankly beyond me. hearts go out to those people who fought this battle for so long. to some extent, the

money can never, ever replace what happened. it is a poor substitute for the suffering that they have been through, but it is a measure of people accepting that there is some element of justice people accepting that there is some element ofjustice in the system, but it still lacks complete accountability as far as many of those who have suffered are concerned. those who have suffered are concerned-— those who have suffered are concerned. ., ., ., concerned. you call it an element of 'ustice. concerned. you call it an element of justice- do — concerned. you call it an element of justice- do you _ concerned. you call it an element of justice. do you feel _ concerned. you call it an element of justice. do you feel sometimes i concerned. you call it an element of justice. do you feel sometimes that| justice. do you feel sometimes that the justice system fails to deliver justice swiftly enough?— justice swiftly enough? well, i think that is — justice swiftly enough? well, i think that is certainly - justice swiftly enough? well, i think that is certainly true, i justice swiftly enough? well, i l think that is certainly true, that, you know, we are talking about events that go back to 1989. i have colleagues working on this case with me who were not even born then, so we can hardly say that this has been a swift route to justice and i think the difficulty is, as we saw all too recently with the collapse of the criminal trial, recently with the collapse of the criminaltrial, is recently with the collapse of the criminal trial, is that holding people to account is a really difficult exercise and one which

doesn�*t always bear the fruits that we think it should do. so doesn't always bear the fruits that we think it should do.— we think it should do. so for the families, this _ we think it should do. so for the families, this is _ we think it should do. so for the families, this is part _ we think it should do. so for the families, this is part of- we think it should do. so for the families, this is part of the i families, this is part of the legacy, isn�*t it, of what they have been going through, this decision, thisjudgment to award been going through, this decision, this judgment to award them damages? yes, just to clarify, there is not a judgment to award them damages, it is a settlement which has been reached between the parties and it is, as you say, a legacy event in terms of they have long campaigned that the police should be accountable for the events which occurred and created a cover—up so quickly after the disaster occurred in 1989, so, yes, it is that sort of legacy, again, really difficult for them to have to have gone through all of this process for such a long period of time before eventually achieving a modicum ofjustice. chris topping, thank you very much for your time. it is six minutes past 12.

the travel industry has described the changes to england�*s travel list announced yesterday as a "devastating blow". the government moved portugal to the amber list, those countries which uk tourists should not visit for holidays, and which require isolation for ten days on return. the transport secretary grant shapps blamed the changes on rising numbers of infections in portugal and the presence of the so—called "nepalese variant" — a mutation of the delta variant, which is thought to have originated in india. he said: "we simply don�*t want to take the risk as we come up tojune 21 and the review of the fourth stage". portugal said it didn�*t understand the logic of the move, and insisted it had "clear rules for the safety of those who live here and those who visit us." the chief executive of airline ryanair, michael o�*leary, is among those criticising the move, saying the decision is "more mismanagement of the covid recovery" and has created unnecessary disruption the scottish, welsh and northern irish governments say they will adopt the same changes. public health england says the nepalese variant is already present in the uk.

here are the views of some british tourists in portugal now. i disagree with it. i don�*t feel that it�*s warranted. we�*re doing everything that they�*ve asked us to do, we�*re having tests, we�*re jumping through hoops, we have had tests to get here, tests to go home, tests when we get home. i just don�*t understand. i think it's the worst decision ever. like, because we've already made plans to come out here. now while we're on our holiday, we got to stop buying more we got to start buying more tests before we go home. i think it's disastrous. the open it up, they give us - the green light so we can come here, we go through all of the procedures |to come here and then they do this| and ijust think it's i really, really wrong. this morning, the housing secretary robertjenrick said a cautious approach needed to be taken to protect the progress the uk has made fighting the pandemic. first of all, we always said we�*d adopt a cautious approach. i appreciate it�*s very disappointing and frustrating for people who are in portugal and for those people who work in the industry,

but we have made so much progress as a country as a result of our vaccine roll—out, that we do need to adopt a cautious approach to protect the uk from infection from new variants. with respect to portugal, there are two important considerations. firstly, we saw a very significant rise in positivity in recent weeks, in fact it�*s doubled in portugal in three weeks since the last review point, to take it to a much higher level than we see here in the uk. secondly, perhaps most importantly, although both countries have prevalence of what is known as the indian variant, delta variant, we�*ve also seen a further mutation emerge, become prevalent within portugal, now known as the nepal variant. and we thought it was important to be cautious whilst we�*re still learning more about this new variant. we don�*t know yet whether it�*s going to be a problem, but our scientists are doing research as we speak. they are looking at whether it

is more transmissible and virulent and above all, whether our current set of vaccines are effective against it. whilst we do that research, i think most people, i hope most people, will appreciate that it�*s right to be careful. ryainair chief executive michael o�*leary remains confident that holiday—makers will be able to travel across europe this summer despite portugal being removed from the green list. yes, we�*ll have to deal with occasional government mismanagement such as their removal of portugal from the green list yesterday. also, the remarkable failure of the british government to add malta and the balearics. in malta and the balearics, they have much lower covid case rates than the uk and malta has vaccinated more of its people. so there is equally no reason why they haven�*t been added to the green list. there will be short—term disruptions, but over the main through the end ofjune, july, august, september we see most of europe going back on holidays and british visitors will be welcome to the beaches of portugal, spain

and greece on their ryanair flights. dr deepti gurdasani is a senior lecturer of epidemiology at queen mary university. she told me the virus is constantly evolving so it is �*critical to contain transmission�*. it seems to be, from what the report is saying — it�*s hard to say without seeing the actual data — that it�*s the delta variant, the so—called indian variant, which has some mutations on top of it that are similar to the beta or the so—called south african variant. these mutations have already been seen, so this particular variant that�*s being described is already present in the uk. this virus is constantly evolving, the delta variant is constantly developing mutations on top of it, and it�*s no surprise that will develop mutations if it�*s allowed to transmit. mutations that may be similar to other variants and may potentially confer more escape against vaccines or other properties. that�*s why it�*s critical to contain transmission and control import of cases at borders because this situation, although it�*s not very

good now, could get worse if we let this continue. some copyjust coming into us from the office for national statistics. its latest infection, covid infection survey for the latest week, so i will take you through the figures for england, wales, scotland and northern ireland for in england, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus has increased in the week ending the 29th of may. they estimate that around one in 640 people in private households in england have covid in that week, that is up i , effectively doubling, the number of people with covid. in wales, the ons say there are early signs of an increase in the number of people testing positive of the week ending

the 29th of may. we estimate, they say, around one in every 1050 people. in northern ireland, they say the trend in the percentage of people testing positive is uncertain for that week. they estimate it is around one in 800 people there and in scotland, they say the percentage of people testing positive has likely increased in the two weeks up to the 29th of may, however, the trend is uncertain still. the estimate is that it is around one in every 680 people with covid. just a note on variance from the office for national to six, they that week ending the 29 of may, they have seen an increase of cases in england that are not compatible with the uk variance, the alpha variant, so it is likely to be the variant first identified in india, the delta variant, which is on the increase, so a lot of interesting information there from the latest infection survey from the office for national

statistics. the cabinet minister, michael gove, will take part in a pilot scheme to find safe alternatives to self—isolation, after coming into contact with someone who has covid. he will take daily coronavirus tests, rather than remaining at home for ten days. mr gove has recently returned from portugal after supporting chelsea in the champions league final. the ons says there�*s been a �*marked increase�* in the number of people claiming to have had long covid for at least a year. new figures suggest that, in the four weeks to the 2nd of may, around 376,000 people reported having symptoms for 12 months or longer. that�*s up from 70,000 in the four weeks to the 6th of march. a body has been found in the search for a teenager who went missing after attending a rave, police said. frantisek morris, known as frankie, was last seen walking in pentir, near bangor, in gwynedd, north wales, at about 1.20pm on sunday may 2nd. the 18—year—old attended

a party in waunfawr, near snowdonia national park, the night before his disappearance. police have said the coroner has been informed but no formal identification has taken place. finance ministers from g7 countries are holding talks in london aimed at agreeing new rules for taxing big tech companies. so far, the uk and us have failed to see eye—to—eye on the issue. but the chancellor, rishi sunak, said he was "confident" an agreement would be reached. it is increasingly clear that in a complex, global, digital economy, we cannot continue to rely on a tax system that was largely designed in the 1920s. and i would just say this — the world has noticed and i believe they have high expectations for what we all can agree over the coming days. opportunities to make a truly lasting reform like this do not come very often and i sincerely hope that we seize the moment.

let�*s go live to edinburgh, where scotland�*s first minister nicola sturgeon is giving a coronavirus update. before then, if i canjust before then, if i can just give an update on the overall covid situation starting, obviously, as usual, with today�*s statistics. yesterday, there were 992 positive cases reported, 304 of these are in the greater glasgow and clyde area, 213 in lothian, 144 in tayside. the total number of cases represents a 3.9% of all of the tests carried out and the overall number of cases confirmed is now 238,993. there are currently 116 people in hospital with covid and that is six more than yesterday and eight people are receiving intensive care, the same

number as yesterday. sadly, receiving intensive care, the same numberas yesterday. sadly, i receiving intensive care, the same number as yesterday. sadly, i need to report that two deaths were reported over the past 24 hours, which means the total number of deaths registered under the daily definition is 7676 and, as always, i really do want to convey my condolences to everybody who has lost someone. let me briefly also update on the vaccination programme. as of this morning, and i will slow down a little bit here for the benefit of our signer, 3,000,320 people have received a first dose of vaccine. that is an increase of 20,193 since yesterday. in addition to that, 32,952 people got a second dose yesterday and that brings the total number of second doses now to

2,170,570. as you can see, the vaccination programme continues to progress extremely well and, again, i want to say thank you to everyone across the country who is delivering that. however, as i set out earlier in the week and as you can very clearly see from today�*s figures, we are at a very criticaljuncture right now in what we still hope, still very much hope and believe, is a transition to a less restrictive way of dealing with covid, but the position we are in now on that transition is a fragile one and that will inform my comments today and the tone of the comments i want to make today. on the downside, as we can see, cases are rising today. they have more than trebled over the last month and today, more than 900 cases which have been reported, is

the highest number of new cases since the 17th of february. the number is now estimated to be above one. indeed, many experts believe that notjust one. indeed, many experts believe that not just scotland, one. indeed, many experts believe that notjust scotland, but the uk is now at the start of a third wave of covid. underlying this and, indeed, driving all of this is the new delta variant which now makes up the majority of all new cases in scotland. this variant is thought to be quite significantly more transmissible than even the kent variant which we were dealing without the turn of the year. there is, as you may have seen reported, last night and this morning, early data suggesting that all else being equal, it may increase the risk of hospitalisation. hopefully, vaccines are reducing overall the risk of hospitalisation, but even if it is a lower risk, the early data suggests that this new delta variant has a higher risk than the variance that went before it. but it is important

to say that that is something which is still under in investigation and what has been reported in the last 24—hour is is early data. all of that, obviously, gives us cause for concern and right throughout this, i have never tried to shy away from saying to you when we are in a period that should make all of us sit up and remember that this virus is not done with us yet. that said, there is an upside now as well and it is an upside that we did not have at the start of the first wave or even at the start of the second wave and that is, of course, the vaccines. we do need to analyse the data on an ongoing basis so, again, a bit like the data on hospitalisations i havejust spoken about, it is too early to be definitive, but the strong indications that we have so far are that vaccines are weakening the link between rising cases and cases of hospitalisations, intensive care and

people dying. that is really encouraging and it is that which is giving us hope that we can move beyond the very restrictive approach to dealing with covid that has been necessary over the last year or, in fact, more than a year now. although that link appears to be weakening, it has not yet been completely broken. hospitaladmissions it has not yet been completely broken. hospital admissions are rising. the number of people in hospital with covid has, again, as you can see from today�*s figures, risen above 100 over the last week and the number of people in intensive care, although it is stable on today�*s figures, has shown an upward tick in recent days as well. that might not be increasing as fast as would have been the case earlier in the year before vaccines, but there is still an increase they are that, again, we need to pay attention to. as i said a moment ago, oursituation attention to. as i said a moment ago, our situation right now while still hopeful because of the vaccines, and nothing has changed on

that front, is nevertheless fragile. while there is still a significant proportion of the population that has not yet had both doses of the vaccine and, of course, we are working as fast as we can to get people double vaccinated as soon as possible, but while there�*s still a proportion of the population that is not fully vaccinated, we need to exercise continued care. that is why the decisions i set out on tuesday about the level of protection that will apply from tomorrow to different of the country were so cautious and, indeed, for much of mainland scotland, they represented a pause in our easing of restrictions, i know that is frustrating, it is certainly never easy to take these decisions or to set them out to the public, but at this particular moment, it is necessary and myjudgment this particular moment, it is necessary and my judgment to this particular moment, it is necessary and myjudgment to be cautious while we continue to vaccinate more and more people. i just want to recap on the levels of protection as we go into this

weekend. there are still some parts of mainland scotland where case numbers are very low or where rising case numbers are associated with defined clusters that are being managed, although today we have at least one case reported in every health board area, but nevertheless, there are parts of particularly rural and island scotland where case numbers remain very low. those parts of mainland scotland where that is the case, they will move down to level one tomorrow as planned and these are highland, argyll and bute, aberdeen city and aberdeenshire, moray, perth and kinross, falkirk, fife, eastern west lothian, the recent galilee and the borders. if you live in one of these areas, please check on the scottish government website what that means. in summary, it means more people can meet outdoors, up to 12 instead of eight and slightly more can meet in indoor public places, up to eight from three households rather than six just now.

from three households rather than sixjust now. remember, though, that sixjust now. remember, though, that six from three households remains the limit inside your own home or in some of the else�*s home. in level one, the limit for some events increases, too. however, and this is where the tone of what i am saying to people today has to take account of the figures that we are reporting, for those of you living in level one areas, please remember there is still a need to exercise great care and this is especially the case if you or someone you are interacting with has not yet had both doses of the vaccine. although limited indoor meetings are possible, please meet outdoors as much as you can and please follow all of the public health advice. turning now to the rest of the country briefly, glasgow, which of course has had the toughest restrictions in place for longest, is going to level two tomorrow. that is going to level two tomorrow. that is possible because the collective sacrifice of people in the city and the massive public health efforts thatis the massive public health efforts that is still ongoing. it has stabilised the situation and being

able to visit family and friends or have a drink in a bar will be a great relief to people in the city. it is eight or nine months since visiting family and friends indoors has been possible and, as someone who lives in glasgow, i know how difficult that has been. but please still be careful. case numbers, as you can see, are still high, so again, stay outside as much as you can. hopefully the weather over the next few days will stay nice, but stay outside as much as you can, again, especially if you are not yet double vaccinated. if you are meeting indoors, six to the limits which, again, in your home or in cafes and bars is a maximum of six from three households and take all necessary precautions. clean your hands and surfaces regularly and keep your windows open because that helps with ventilation. for glasgow, the move to level two will feel like a relief, but we cannot throw caution to the win for for other

parts of the country, staying in level two feels like a setback though it is a pause in our easing of restrictions, but the situation we face now does demand caution, so to recap, the area staying in level two in addition to glasgow are edinburgh and midlothian, dundee, east dunbartonshire, renfrewshire and east renfrewshire, the three air schar�*s, north, south at east ayrshire, north and south lanarkshire, clackmannanshire and stirling. please continue to follow all of the rules that apply to level two if you stay in these areas and you can check the detail on our website. there is one further change i want to highlight today which takes effect from tuesday and that relates to travel overseas. again, as you will have seen on the news, portugal has been transferred from the green lit for international travel to the amber list, so anyone who returns to scotland from portugal from tuesday onwards will be required to self—isolate at home for ten days and to take to pcr

tests during this period. in addition, several countries have been added to the red list and full details of those can be found on our website. fundamentally, though, and i want to stress this point, the scottish government�*s basic guidance on international travel remains unchanged. if you do not have to travel at the moment, if your journey is not essential, then please do not travel. travel does unfortunately create an additional risk that we bring new variants into the country. so in summary, just to drama a parks to a close, because of the impact of this new variant is having at the moment, we have not been able to move as quickly as we would have wanted back to normality and that is frustrating for all of us, but it is, i think, the right, cautious approach to take right at thisjuncture. on the cautious approach to take right at this juncture. on the other hand, thanks to the vaccines, i do believe we are still moving in the right direction, although it is difficult

always to feel that, and i do believe that this summer, we do have the prospect of living with much less restrictions than we have become used to over the past year. indeed, we are already living with fewer restrictions than we have been in months gone by. but the road back to normality in the face of this virus, unfortunately, was never going to be completely smooth, so yet again, my message today has to be, please stick with it and please continue to take care, exercise caution and remember that this virus and the new variant of this virus is still very much out there, so getting back to normal needs all of us, so let me end really with stressing again the three key things that i and asking everybody to do to try to help with that collective effort. the single most important thing is to get vaccinated when you get the invitation to come forward for yourjag and make sure that you

attend for both doses. it is only with a second dose that you get a significant protection against the virus. if you cannot make the appointment you are offered and, often, there will be good reasons for that, often, there will be good reasons forthat, please often, there will be good reasons for that, please rearrange it. if you have not received an appointed letter yet and you think you should have done, go to the nhs inform website to rearrange your appointment. if you are aged between 18 and 29, you can register online to ensure your details are up—to—date, so please do that, too. more information on how to do all of that can be found on the vaccination section of the nhs inform website, but please make sure you get vaccinated. this is what will take us back to normality and it is in all of our best interests to get these jags just as soon as we can, whatever age we are, vaccination reduces our chances of getting seriously ill from covid. of course, getting vaccinated helps keep our family, friends and neighbours are safe as well, so it really is part of the public civic duty that, as

citizens, we ought to each other as well as to ourselves. second thing well as to ourselves. second thing we can do to try to stop the virus spreading is to get tested regularly. we are continuing to increase and above walking centres increase and above walking centres in communities across the country, the 50th centre opened today in crossmyloof in glasgow, in my constituency. like other centres, it is open to everyone. you can get a pcr test there if you have symptoms, and if you do not, you can collect lateral flow tests and you can also order lateral flow tests through the nhs inform website. if you order them one day, then a pack will be mailed to you and they arrived very quickly, often the very next day. they give you a quick result. i took my latest lateral flow test before i left home for work this morning. it was negative, i hasten to add. it is simple to do, but it is really,

really important. it will tell us if we might have covid even if we do not have symptoms and that of hissy helps break the chains of infection. if test positive through the lateral flow device, it is important that you book in and get a confirmatory pcr test full stop support is available to you if you need to self—isolate. the third and final thing i ask everyone to do on a continue basis is followed all the public health advice. physical distancing, hand washing, cleaning services, wearing masks, everything i know it�*s getting more and more tedious with every week that passes, but it remains more in more important to keep ourselves and others say. i know that has been more of a challenging update than you would have wanted to hear today. we are in a difficult and fragile position right now, but not the same as would have been the case earlier in the year because we now have this vaccination programme that is

powering on, motoring ahead and is offering us the route back to normality, but while we still have some people not yet fully vaccinated, it is vital for all of us that we continue to exercise that caution. thank you all very much for bearing with me and we will now move straight to questions and jason will add to what i have already said in answer to the questions, but i will go firstly to stv. thank you, i was just wondering if you could get your reaction to the nexus thank you, i was just wondering if you could get your reaction to the nexus morning that the uk regulus has the pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15 euros. ~ . ., ., ~' has the pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15 euros. ~ , ., ., ~ ., has the pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15 euros. ~ , ., ., ., ., euros. we be looking to roll that at that a . e euros. we be looking to roll that at that age group _ euros. we be looking to roll that at that age group and _ euros. we be looking to roll that at that age group and can _ euros. we be looking to roll that at that age group and can you - euros. we be looking to roll that at that age group and can you tell i euros. we be looking to roll that at. that age group and can you tell what needs— that age group and can you tell what needs to _ that age group and can you tell what needs to be done before that can happen? — needs to be done before that can happen? -- _ needs to be done before that can happen? —— 12 to 15 euros. on the short— happen? —— 12 to 15 euros. on the short time — happen? —— 12 to 15 euros. on the short time that portugal was on the greenest. _ short time that portugal was on the greenest, was it right to put it there — greenest, was it right to put it there in— greenest, was it right to put it there in the first place was like thanks. — there in the first place was like thanks. i ., ,., ._ ., ., there in the first place was like thanks. i ., ., ., there in the first place was like thanks. jason may want to say a bit more about — thanks. jason may want to say a bit more about the _ thanks. jason may want to say a bit more about the mhra _ thanks. jason may want to say a bit more about the mhra decision i thanks. jason may want to say a bit more about the mhra decision was money, but any good news on vaccines makes my heart sing. i think given

the more challenging figures we seeing now, they are all good news on vaccines is welcome. it is really positive news for those who have not heard it, the vaccines and the mhra has deemed the pfizer vaccine safe for 12 to 15—year—olds, and any risk of that are outweighed by the benefits. what has to happen now is that we will have two consider that we will comment with the other uk nations, wait for the advice that will now, from the joint committee of vaccinating taxation and innovations, consider that of vaccinating taxation and innovations, considerthat advice, always follow the advice of the jcvi, we would have done before, but we need to wait for that, if there is a decision to move ahead to vaccinate that age group, we will need to consider the supply implication to that, over what timescale that would be possible, given the surprise of the vaccine and how to plan the programme to develop in that way, so there is still some steps to be taken there, it is not the case that the mhra e,

the decision this morning, means that children in that age group will suddenly be vaccinated next week or in a few weeks�* time, there is work to be done there. it is good news, however, anything positive on the vaccine is a good news. on international travel, you have been as many of these press briefings before, where when we have been standing here having to explain by —— why countries are being kept off the greenest, we are getting lots of pressure but if we are being too cautious, whether we�*re putting them back on the amber in this case, list, we are being asked if we should never have put them on the greenest in the first place. none of these decisions are and we had to strike all sorts of balances all of the time and i have been very consistent all along, and have perfectly legitimately faced a lot of criticism from certain sectors on this. i have been very clear that whatever the red, amber, green

categorisations see, —— say, if you do not have to travel abroad right now, do not do it, because it�*s safer not to. safer for yourself and the country not to. but there is a need for some people to travel for essential reasons, so we have to assess and categorise the risk of that stuff is really important that as we take those decisions, any decisions, in the face of covid—19, we do not get stuck in it decisions just because we are frightened to change our mind. this is a virus thatis change our mind. this is a virus that is changing all of the time, and if we do not and are not prepared to show fax ability, and the will to change in the face of it, it will absolutely beat us. —— flexible issue. sometimes if you change decisions, you get this —— criticism, but i would rather criticism, but i would rather criticism then face a wrong decision and put more people at risk as a result. _, ., and put more people at risk as a result. .., ., ,, ., �* , and put more people at risk as a result. _, ., ,, ., �*, ., , result. so, nicola sturgeon's latest coronavirus — result. so, nicola sturgeon's latest coronavirus rating _ result. so, nicola sturgeon's latest coronavirus rating -- _ result. so, nicola sturgeon's latest coronavirus rating -- briefing, ii coronavirus rating —— briefing, i guess the over augh —— overarching thought from her is that this virus

is not done with this yet, so she said at least there is one case in every health board area, currently, but she said the vaccination programme was progressing very well. she urged people to stick to those basic measures as well. on that delta variance, she said that the early data suggest that the delta variance has a higher risk of customisation, but she stressed that this was very early data at this stage and she is hopeful that things can keep moving in the right direction. in a good direction. that was the latest coronavirus briefing from nicola sturgeon. he wales now and... big crowds will be allowed back at organised outdoor events in wales from monday, as part of a further easing of coronavirus restrictions. the maximum capacity will be 4,000 if spectators are standing, or 10,000 if they�*re seated. groups of up to 30 will be allowed to meet outdoors, including in private gardens. however, the welsh government said there was "growing concern" about the spread of the delta variant. first minister mark drakeford says he�*s taking a cautious approach to opening up.

our wales correspondent tomos morgan is in cardiff. with wales leading vaccination rates in the uk and worldwide when it comes to first dose of vaccinations, the first minister today in his three—weekly review will be easing some mixing restrictions in wales. so, from monday, up to 30 people can meet outside in private gardens or in outdoor hospitality settings. and then as well from monday, for the first time since the pandemic began, crowds of up to 4,000 standing and 10,000 seated can go and watch outdoor events such as sporting events, concerts and can also partake in park runs. however, social distancing, two metres will need to be enforced in both those environments. there are less than 100 cases of the delta variant in wales at the moment. however, the first minister and the welsh government were concerned about the potential

influx of cases from hotspots area in the north of england. we've always taken, in wales, a careful, cautious step—by—step approach. lifting restrictions when we think it's safe to do so, but not putting at risk everything that we've managed to achieve together over the last four or five months. we are in a good position in wales today, our rates are the lowest in the united kingdom, our vaccination rates are the highest in the world. but just across our border, the new delta variant is spreading very quickly. we know it is more transmissible, there are signs that it may create more people needing hospital treatment as a result, we will wait to see further evidence. provided things are good, we will move ahead, but we are not going to take risks that would mean that the very good position we are in today could be rapidly undermined. the other announcement

the first minister has made today is that from 21stjune, the rule of six will come into play in wales indoors, something that�*s already in force in england and there will also be an easing on indoor activities and events. i think what is clear from today�*s announcement, something we already knew here in wales, some think ——something we already knew here in wales, something the first minister has always said really that 21stjune will not be a day in wales that all restrictions will finish, as is planned in england. that was never going to be the case in wales. it is a phased move down to alert level1 over the next couple of weeks up until the 21st and the likelihood is, with all the uncertainty still around the delta, that indian variant, is that wales will be in this alert level 1 for quite some time, until they get all the details and more people are vaccinated. the world health organization has warned that very few of the 150 million covid—19

vaccines donated to covax, the global facility designed to distribute vaccines fairly, are due to arrive in the next two months. it says, �*we are setting ourselves up for failure if we don�*t get more�*. it comes as president biden has announced the us will give 19 million doses of covid—nineteen vaccines to covax, which has said it needs two billion doses for lower income countries. david willis, our north america correspondent, sent this report. america�*s vaccination programme is already being hailed a success and buoyed by a dramatic fall in the number of coronavirus cases, government officials are using words such as "encouraging," to describe an effort that�*s already seen nearly two thirds of adults here receive at least one jab. now, the time has come to help others. the president is an outcome of the us�*s commitment to sharing a total of 80 million doses by the end of

june. that is 25 million doses that will go out as soon as possible, very quickly. will go out as soon as possible, very quickly-— will go out as soon as possible, very quickly. not quick enough to catch u- very quickly. not quick enough to catch up with _ very quickly. not quick enough to catch up with the _ very quickly. not quick enough to catch up with the chinese, i very quickly. not quick enough to i catch up with the chinese, however, wet, earlierthis catch up with the chinese, however, wet, earlier this week, the first batch of vaccine that it intends to donate was pictured rolling off the production line. china is donating 10 million doses of its sino farm vaccine to covax, a programme set up by the world health organization to get vaccine doses to poorer nations. although some help is now on the way, it is nowhere near enough, and in central and south american nations, the virus is running rampant, a shortage of vaccine threatens to send the crisis is spiralling out of control. in africa, the situation is even more acute, and in some countries, fewer than 1% of the population have received a single dose of the vaccine. the world health organization is warning of a possible third wave of the virus. the threat of a third wave

in africa is real and rising. vaccines are key to staving off a new surge and keeping the most vulnerable africans out of critical care. america�*s promise of 80 million doses by the end of the month is nowhere near enough. according to estimates here, vaccinating just 70% of the world�*s population would require around 11 billion doses. it is not commensurate with the size of the problem and the knee. it is like putting a really tiny band—aid on a giant gaping, bleeding wound. joe biden came into office, vowing to restore america�*s position as a leader in global health, but this is not something the us can do alone. hence we can expect some major arm—twisting when the leaders of the g7 industrialised nations come together next week in the uk.

the chancellor rishi sunak says he is "confident" of reaching a global agreement on digital taxation ahead of a meeting of world finance leaders. tax on big tech and multi—nationals has been a source of friction between the us and countries including the uk. dr rebecca harding is a trade economist and chief executive of coriolis technologies — which provides trade data and analytics. very good to have you with us. so, why is joe very good to have you with us. so, why isjoe biden proposing this corporate tax plan? 50 why is joe biden proposing this corporate tax plan?— why is joe biden proposing this corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate — corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate of— corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate of about _ corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate of about 1596 _ corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate of about 1596 on - corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate of about 1596 on tax i corporate tax plan? so the tax plan is of a rate of about 1596 on tax of. is of a rate of about 15% on tax of the global culprits where they are operating. the reason why this is an issueis operating. the reason why this is an issue is because the global culprits themselves are making profits themselves are making profits themselves and not paying tax because they are registered for tax purposes, summer weather should not be. —— culprits. we had microsoft having made 220 billion dollars

worth of profits in ireland, but it has not paid any tax on that because the tax purposes, it is registered in bermuda. this is a massive problem for the global economy, governments around the world are losing over $400 billion, that is £300 million. it losing over $400 billion, that is £300 million.— £300 million. it is all perfectly leaal, £300 million. it is all perfectly legal. isn't _ £300 million. it is all perfectly legal, isn't its? _ £300 million. it is all perfectly legal, isn't its? tax _ £300 million. it is all perfectly legal, isn't its? tax alloys i £300 million. it is all perfectly legal, isn't its? tax alloys and| £300 million. it is all perfectly i legal, isn't its? tax alloys and -- legal, isn�*t its? tax alloys and —— tax avoidance is perfectly legal. it is legal is a big issue. every country in the world is having an impact from all of this, the letter states the most of all, of course. we know that —— the author states. we know that —— the author states. we know that most of the countries involved in the g7 meeting have agreed to this 15% corporation tax rate, proposed by the us. the uk has not yet. how awkward is that for the host and why have they not agreed? so the uk has not publicly agreed, but obviously, the chancer today has been quite keen to stay that he is

hopeful. the reason why the uk government is hesitating at the moment, very simply, because we have imposed a digital tax on companies to get them to pay tax, the google, the amazon, facebook etc. at moment, that tax should be paid, those time —— those copies are paying a fair amount of tax, before we agree to a global corporation tax, so that you have to be dealt with together. this is the point that the government wants to make. we need to have some sovereignty over all of this as well, but the most important point is to deal with the two things together, which really is what is going to be the threat in the coming days. so going to be the threat in the coming da 5, ., ., , going to be the threat in the coming da s. ., ., , , going to be the threat in the coming da s. ., .,, . days. so how does this affect, if this global _ days. so how does this affect, if this global corporation - days. so how does this affect, if this global corporation tax i days. so how does this affect, if this global corporation tax rate. this global corporation tax rate goes ahead? how does it affect the ebb and flow of international trade? because which the big take —— companies notjust move their corporations for tax purposes to a country that lies outside the g7? this does notjust apply country that lies outside the g7? this does not just apply to

country that lies outside the g7? this does notjust apply to the g7. this does notjust apply to the g7. this is really important, so this is going to be agreed by the g20 in july. going to be agreed by the g20 in july, which is why, again, the us is very keen to push this through now. the other issue is of course, that this is going to be a global —— affect global tax rates, so the 15% will apply to anyjurisdiction, so it means that the tech companies cannot dodge tax that they will need to pay. the us are saying, of course, this is a really big multilateral move, that we need to do together, getting the agreement of the g7 will help the g20 to come to an agreement as well. ihthd of the g7 will help the g20 to come to an agreement as well.— of the g7 will help the g20 to come to an agreement as well. and then to roll it out across _ to an agreement as well. and then to roll it out across the _ to an agreement as well. and then to roll it out across the world. _ to an agreement as well. and then to roll it out across the world. ok, i roll it out across the world. ok, doctor rebecca harding, thank you very much for that. the headlines on bbc news... the uk medicines regular has approved the use of the pfizer coronavirus vaccines for children as young as 12 — saying the benefits of having the jab outweight the risks. two police forces agree to pay damages to more than 600 people following the hillsborough disaster. a furious backlash from travel companies over the government�*s

decision to remove portugal from its green list of �*covid—safe countries�*. ministers insist they have taken a �*cautious approach�*. is in hong kong have close of a large part of a park in the city where people traditionally gather each year to mark the anniversary of the 1989 to square massacre. thousands were killed when chinese authorities cracked down on protests in beijing, 32 years ago. this was the scene earlier in victoria park, which normally would be full of thousands of people marking the anniversary. police have warned that anyone crossing into the park could face up to 12 months injail. for context, this was victoria park last year on the anniversary, with thousands of people having turned out, despite authorities banning official morals due to the. —— memorials. and one of the victims of

the original protest was arrested and with more detail here is hong kong corresponded. i and with more detail here is hong kong corresponded.— and with more detail here is hong kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest, kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest. it — kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest, it came _ kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest, it came very _ kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest, it came very in _ kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest, it came very in the i kong corresponded. i think this type of arrest, it came very in the early i of arrest, it came very in the early hours of the morning. it will be seen as a sign to many activists, protesters and ordinary hong kongers, that would like to go to victoria park, to mark the day, and it will be seen as a deterrent, because i think it is now unclear what it will mean for other people that choose to try to mark the day or even encourage others to mark the day. it is important to mark that the vigil has been banned for two years. this is the first time, think this year and lastly, that hong kong now has a stringent national security law, so there is certainly an atmosphere of fear ever since that law was passed. it�*s also important to note

that there was one organiser that was arrested today, but many organisers of the vigil last year are already detained for participating and essentially organising the event last year. so, thousands of hong kongers usually will gather in victoria park to mark the event, to mark this day, that usually happens around 8pm in the evening hong kong time, so hong kong residents will probably still be trying to find alternative ways to remember the victims of the 1989 june 4th crackdown. it�*s almost a year since the toppling of edward colston�*s statue in the centre of bristol during a black lives matter demonstration. since it was fished out of city�*s harbour side, its fate has been under discussion. well, now the statue has been put on temporary display at the m shed, as part of a survey to gather opinion on what should be done with it. it�*s hoped people will share their thoughts how they feel about what happened then and how the future should be shaped. sabet choudhury reports. the fall in effigy, cost and is a constant reminder of a painful past. the statue is a divisive symbol of a

city trying to come to terms with its history. almost one year ago, he was toppled, and dumped into the harbour. now, it is a centrepiece in a display designed to engage bristol. . . , . a display designed to engage bristol. , , , . bristol. this is very much, if you like, bristol. this is very much, if you like. inviting _ bristol. this is very much, if you like, inviting the _ bristol. this is very much, if you like, inviting the city _ bristol. this is very much, if you like, inviting the city to - bristol. this is very much, if you like, inviting the city to pause i bristol. this is very much, if you i like, inviting the city to pause and reflect, but also to think a little bit about, ok, what do we do the statue? where do we want to display this or not display this? what do you want to do with the plinth? what do you want to do with the streets and squares of the city? what is our attitude towards the past, present, future? . attitude towards the past, present, future? , ., ., attitude towards the past, present, future? ., , ., future? events of that day last year laid bare a war— future? events of that day last year laid bare a war wound. _ future? events of that day last year laid bare a war wound. in _ future? events of that day last year laid bare a war wound. in a - future? events of that day last year laid bare a war wound. in a city i laid bare a war wound. in a city proud of its diversity. but many now feel it is time to heal by better understanding the past through open and honest conversations. i understanding the past through open and honest conversations.— and honest conversations. i think we want to give — and honest conversations. i think we want to give them _ and honest conversations. i think we want to give them a _ and honest conversations. i think we want to give them a period - and honest conversations. i think we want to give them a period of i want to give them a period of contemplation. an opportunity to see the statue, to see what it looks like now, to see what came out of the harbour, we want them to understand some of the context around the statue. you will hear

about colson, you will hear about the timeline of the statue setting up, and also some of that protest that happened in the decade leading up that happened in the decade leading up to the topic. so it is an opportunity for people to be provoked into thinking about what this means for them, and so that they can complete this survey, put their views forward, but not only put their views forward, listen to the views of others i think as well. i think it is good that people can see it. _ i think it is good that people can see it. i— i think it is good that people can see it. i guess, probably, i think it is good that people can see it. iguess, probably, best i think it is good that people can see it. i guess, probably, best for bristolians— see it. i guess, probably, best for bristolians to decide what should happen— bristolians to decide what should happen for it because it is kind of past of— happen for it because it is kind of past of bristol's history. it being in a museum has pace —— place to start. _ in a museum has pace —— place to start. maybe _ in a museum has pace —— place to start. maybe replace it with something a bit nicer. | start. maybe replace it with something a bit nicer. i don't think is a problem _ something a bit nicer. i don't think is a problem it _ something a bit nicer. i don't think is a problem it having _ something a bit nicer. i don't think is a problem it having a _ something a bit nicer. i don't think is a problem it having a space i is a problem it having a space physically to reside, to educate, that spacejust should physically to reside, to educate, that space just should not really be public bristol, you know, land. public bristol c would be fine, but land, no. . .. public bristol c would be fine, but land, no. , ~ ., , ., , land, no. things like that should be ublic, land, no. things like that should be

public. and — land, no. things like that should be public, and should _ land, no. things like that should be public, and should be _ land, no. things like that should be public, and should be decided i land, no. things like that should be public, and should be decided by i land, no. things like that should be | public, and should be decided by the general— public, and should be decided by the general public — public, and should be decided by the general public and _ public, and should be decided by the general public and the _ public, and should be decided by the general public and the views - public, and should be decided by the general public and the views of- general public and the views of bristol. — general public and the views of bristol. they— general public and the views of bristol, they know _ general public and the views of bristol, they know what - general public and the views of bristol, they know what they. general public and the views of. bristol, they know what they are, taking _ bristol, they know what they are, taking everyone's _ bristol, they know what they are, taking everyone's factors - bristol, they know what they are, taking everyone's factors in. i bristol, they know what they are, taking everyone's factors in. thatj taking everyone's factors in. that would be good. _ taking everyone's factors in. would be good. change taking everyone's factors in. tiiiii�*i'i would be good. change was taking everyone's factors in. would be good. change was the buzzword —— but was off fell and one year on, there is hope that bristol can now lead the way. this year on, there is hope that bristol can now lead the way.— year on, there is hope that bristol can now lead the way. this is local, this is showing _ can now lead the way. this is local, this is showing what _ can now lead the way. this is local, this is showing what happens i can now lead the way. this is local, this is showing what happens all. this is showing what happens all over the place was that i would hope that in bristol we might be able to show people how to do things well, that we may be able to respond to this moment in a really positive way, and in a sense of the leaders of change in the ways that we have this kind of conversation about difficult automatic pass. the future is a contract. _ difficult automatic pass. the future is a contract, one _ difficult automatic pass. the future is a contract, one that _ difficult automatic pass. the future is a contract, one that is _ difficult automatic pass. the future is a contract, one that is shaped i difficult automatic pass. the future is a contract, one that is shaped by our actions and opinions, but the starting point, mainly, to be a better understanding of each of the�*s pass. —— each other�*s past. more news on the fact that two police officers have agreed to pay damages to more than 60 people following a cover of the

hillsborough disaster. their lawyers have said, the south yorkshire and west midlands forces, agreed to the settlement earlier, this year, but news of it has just emerged. now, an apology from south yorkshire police, acting chief constable said that they offer an unreserved apology for those affected by the hillsborough disaster and its aftermath, we acknowledge that serious errors and mistakes were made by south yorkshire police, both on the 15th of april, 1989, in the tragedy in which 96 liverpool fans died, and during subsequent investigations stop she went on, the chief, those actions on the day of the disaster went on to lives being lost, and many being injured. the forces' subsequent failures caused huge distress, suffering and pain, both to the victims and their families to stop the statement says, this is something south yorkshire police profoundly regrets. the force says,

we would like to thank the families for their dignified approach. that statement from south yorkshire police. that is in reaction to the news that they and the west midlands force have agreed to pay damages to more than 600 people, following the hillsborough disaster in which 96 liverpool fans died at the 1989 fa cup semifinal. nepal's prime minister has made an urgent plea to world leaders to provide vaccines for his country — as it undergoes a severe second wave of coronavirus. in an exclusive interview with the bbc, kp sharma 0li said the uk had a particular responsibility to help, given its close ties to nepal. experts suggest that a huge surge in cases — and deaths — in may, was due to the country's border with india remaining open. 0ur south asia correspondent, rajini vaidyanathan, asked the prime minister, what nepal needs now. i called our neighbours and otherfriends, global, international organizations

and others to support us, and we got support also from different governments and organizations, nepalese and others, but it's not enough. and we are trying to get more support. and particularly we want to buy vaccinations now. if you don't get the vaccines you need, how bad could the situation get in the months to come here in nepal? we'll get the vaccine. we cannot imagine that we will not get the vaccine, because that will be devastating. you were relying on india for vaccines and obviously with the situation there, there's no exports. covax can't send vaccines out either because of the situation in india — or certainly those astrazeneca doses. so, i mean, what's your general feeling about how countries like nepal have taken a hit because of the way vaccines are in the world being distributed? this cannot be a medium

of owning for any company or the government. they can own, but the distribution should be justified. that every country, every company should realise that this is the achievement of the entire humanity and entire humanity gives the right to get this. this is not one little question of mercy, but this is the right of the people. kits will be here with the news that but let's first have a look the weather. the weather is looking pretty good for the most of the uk in the coming days, the weekend are certainly looking largely dry, there will be some warm, sunny spells, and this early summer weather is going to continue into next week. at the

moment, it feels like the early start to the summer has come to an abrupt end across the south—east. clouds here spreading in, rain bearing clouds, from the south, but they will be going off into the north sea during the course of the day and into tonight. still some rain around in the south—east, through the course of the evening, but elsewhere across the uk, after all that sunshine, a fine evening. a little cloud, maybe some showers with parts of northern ireland, and parts of western scotland, they will continue to do so through the night. again, lots of clear weather, early hours of saturday, and then that south—east portion of the uk is still waking up to the remnants of today cosmic ray. 6 degrees in newcastle, 13 in london, most of us in between. he was the weather map for saturday, you can see we are in between weather systems, one across ireland here, another one in central parts of europe, so most of us should have a fine day, but he is one with a front here, that will bring cloud and some spots of rain,

maybe some heavier bursts of rain to the south—west of england, possibly wales as well, and some showers of northern ireland and scotland, but a much better day for east tomorrow. more sunshine around for example in norwich and london there. this is a sunday morning, lots of sunshine around, whether france out at bay, you can see in the north atlantic there. as it raises coming in from there. as it raises coming in from the south, a nice day and we wouldn't rule out a shower, but for the vast majority of us, it is a dry sunday with temperatures into the low 20s in a southern and central areas, but middle height teens in the north. monday, the high—pressure�*s right across the uk, there is the possibility of some showers across eastern areas particularly in the week, earlier in the week, but the broader message is that we will see warm weather coming in from the south, scandinavia as well, so as far as the outlook is concerned, if anything, well, so as far as the outlook is concerned, ifanything, overthe coming days and into next week, temperatures will actually be rising nationwide and we are talking

generally dry weather.

the uk's health regulator approves the use of the pfizer—biontech vaccine in children as young as 12. the mhra says it has carried out a rigorous review of the vaccine in adolescents. the uk's vaccines committee will now decide whether children should indeed get the jab. we'll be considering what the options could be for children. portugal and the travel industry react angrily to the government's decision to remove the country from the green travel list, a decision that has caused havoc for holidaymakers and businesses. two police forces are to pay damages to more than 600 people following the hillsborough disaster. the chancellor says he is confident of reaching a global agreement on digital taxation ahead of a meeting of world finance leaders.